President of Niger Elected ECOWAS Chair

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has elected President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger as the chair of the regional body.

President Mahamadou will now serve in the position for a period of one year, taking over the mantle from President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.

The election took place during the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS leaders in Abuja, Nigeria. During the session 13 of the 15 member heads of state were in attendance to discuss a range of issues, including plans to launch a regional currency next year.

The next ordinary session is scheduled to be held in Abuja on December 21.