NEW YORK, 12 August 2026 — The ECOWAS Group of Ambassadors to the United Nations held its eighth monthly meeting of 2026 at the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York, bringing together the region’s diplomatic representatives for discussions on political, economic and security developments across West Africa.
The meeting, coordinated by the ECOWAS Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, also provided an opportunity to reflect on Sierra Leone’s role in advancing the collective interests of the region at the United Nations under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the UN and outgoing Chair of the ECOWAS Group of Ambassadors.
Ambassador Kanu’s tenure as Chair came at a particularly important period for West Africa, marked by political transitions, regional security concerns, development challenges and the need for stronger African voices within the multilateral system.
His leadership also built on Sierra Leone’s broader diplomatic engagement during the country’s tenure on the UN Security Council, where the country championed issues central to international peace and security, including conflict prevention, peacebuilding, protection of civilians, women and youth in peace and security, and the importance of strengthening African perspectives in global decision-making.
Under Sierra Leone’s leadership at the Security Council, Ambassador Kanu played an important role in articulating the country’s positions and helping advance discussions on issues affecting Africa and the wider international community. His diplomatic engagement reflected Sierra Leone’s growing profile as a constructive voice on international peace, security and multilateral cooperation.
At the ECOWAS meeting, ambassadors reviewed political and economic developments in the region and received briefings on the deliberations and outcomes of the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, held in Sierra Leone on 19 July 2026.
The Group also considered matters currently before the UN Security Council relating to international peace and security, preparations for the forthcoming 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as common ECOWAS positions on support for candidates seeking positions in international organisations.
The meeting culminated in a Handing Over and Passing of the Baton Ceremony, formally marking the end of Ambassador Kanu’s tenure as Chair of the ECOWAS Group of Ambassadors at the UN.
In recognising his service, members of the Group commended Ambassador Kanu for his exemplary leadership, commitment and outstanding contribution to advancing the objectives of the ECOWAS diplomatic group and strengthening its collective engagement at the United Nations.
For Ambassador Kanu, the handover represented more than a change in leadership. It marked the conclusion of a period in which Sierra Leone sought to use its diplomatic platform to promote stronger regional coordination and ensure that West African priorities remained visible within the United Nations system.
The Group welcomed H.E. Ambassador Coly Seck, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations, as its new Chair and assured him of its full support as he assumes responsibility for leading the ECOWAS diplomatic group at the UN.
Members also expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations for its continued support, coordination and facilitation of the Group’s activities.
As Ambassador Kanu passes the baton to Senegal, his tenure leaves behind a strong example of how Sierra Leone can leverage multilateral diplomacy—not only to advance its national interests, but also to amplify the collective voice of West Africa on the global stage.
