ECOWAS Energy Deal: West African leaders in Freetown signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a roughly $25bn project expected to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas yearly across 13 countries, with first deliveries targeted for 2031 and construction pencilled in from 2028. Regional Integration & Governance: President John Dramani Mahama used the 69th ECOWAS summit to urge member states to implement decisions fully, back the ECOWAS Compact, and invest in science, digital transformation and youth empowerment. ECOWAS Leadership Transition: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected ECOWAS chair, succeeding Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio, while Birame Diop was named ECOWAS Commission president for 2026–2030. Xenophobia Response: ECOWAS endorsed Ghana’s petition to the African Union over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana pushing for a united continental response and reparatory justice commitments. Sierra Leone Institutions: Sierra Leone’s Parliament hosted the ECOWAS Commission president to strengthen ties between regional institutions and national legislatures, linking democracy, peace and security to practical cooperation. Agriculture Support: Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry trained 40 rice extension officers in Kambia and Tonkolili on climate-smart practices, soil fertility, pest management and farmer field schools.