ECOWAS Parliament Begins New Chapter As Dédou Hemou Takes Helm As Secretary-General
In a region where strong institutions remain vital to stability and integration, the appointment of seasoned diplomats often signals continuity and renewed purpose.
That is the case at the ECOWAS Parliament, where Dr Dédou Hemou has officially assumed office as the new Secretary-General.
The Togolese diplomat took over on Thursday, 9 April 2026, in Abuja, succeeding K. Bertin Somé, who retired on 31 December 2025 after years of service.
Dr Hemou brings with him a wealth of experience within the ECOWAS system. Before his latest appointment, he served as the Permanent Representative of ECOWAS to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium, from April 2016.
He had also previously held key positions at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, including Director of External Relations and later Director of Political Affairs, where he played strategic roles in regional diplomacy and cooperation.
Dr Hemou, an accomplished diplomat, holds a doctorate in Economics as well as an advanced degree in Strategy and Diplomacy.
His appointment is expected to strengthen the Parliament’s administrative leadership and support ECOWAS’ broader goals of regional peace, integration and development.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n