Mahama Urges ECOWAS to Avoid Isolating Sahel Nations
President John Mahama urges ECOWAS to prioritize diplomatic engagement and unity with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following their exit from the regional bloc.
- Mahama urges ECOWAS to engage, not isolate, Sahel nations
- He calls for renewed dialogue with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso
- Mahama emphasizes unity and collaboration for regional stability
President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed diplomatic efforts with the Alliance of Sahel States after Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The three nations, united in the Alliance of Sahel States, cited concerns over inconsistencies within ECOWAS as the reason for their departure.
In a move aimed at fostering reconciliation, Mahama invited the breakaway countries to partake in ECOWAS’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.
During his speech at the event in Accra on April 22, Mahama expressed regret over the withdrawal, urging that dialogue, rather than isolation, should be the response.
“The decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to leave ECOWAS is unfortunate… We must react with dialogue, not with isolation or recrimination,” Mahama emphasized.
He highlighted the need for unity in West Africa, stating that diplomatic re-engagement with the Sahel region had been a priority during his presidency.
Ghana has appointed a special envoy to strengthen ties with the Alliance of Sahel States, and Mahama has led missions to rebuild trust and reaffirm shared goals.
“Our collective destiny is tied together, and unity, no matter how challenging, is key to achieving prosperity and stability in our region,” he concluded.
