Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States - Ecowas. The 46-year-old was elected during the regional bloc's summit in Sierra Leone, taking over from President Julius Maada Bio. Faye assumes the role at a pivotal moment for West Africa, when the region is facing growing security threats. Recently Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the bloc, raising democratic setbacks in West Africa. 
Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Paul Ejime, Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant

<p>Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States - Ecowas. The 46-year-old was elected during the regional bloc's summit in Sierra Leone, taking over from President Julius Maada Bio. Faye assumes the role at a pivotal moment for West Africa, when the region is facing growing security threats. Recently Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the bloc, raising democratic setbacks in West Africa.&nbsp;<br>Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Paul Ejime, Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant</p>