Jane Salihu
A seasoned West African diplomat, Dédou Hemou, has officially assumed office as the new Secretary General of the ECOWAS Parliament, marking a new phase of leadership for the regional legislative institution.
Dr Hemou took up the role on April 9, 2026, in Abuja, succeeding K. Bertin Somé, who retired from the position on December 31, 2025, after completing his tenure.
Before his appointment, Dr Hemou served as the Permanent Representative of the Economic Community of West African States to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium, a position he held since April 2016. His diplomatic assignment in Europe focused on strengthening cooperation between West Africa and European institutions.
Dr Hemou is also well known within ECOWAS circles for his earlier leadership roles at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, where he served as Director of External Relations and later as Director of Political Affairs. In those capacities, he played a key role in advancing regional diplomacy, political dialogue, and policy coordination among member states.
An economist by training, Dr Hemou holds a doctorate in Economics along with advanced academic qualifications in strategy and diplomacy, credentials that have shaped his approach to international relations and regional cooperation.
Officials of the ECOWAS Parliament described the transition as smooth and timely, expressing confidence that his institutional experience and diplomatic background will help strengthen the Parliament’s administrative structure and support ongoing efforts toward regional integration and cooperation across West Africa.
