President John Dramani Mahama has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prioritize dialogue and sustained engagement with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following their withdrawal from the regional bloc.
Speaking on regional integration, President Mahama cautioned against isolating the three Sahel countries, now operating under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), stressing that cooperation remains critical to addressing West Africa’s shared political, security, and economic challenges.
“Our sub-region is facing challenges. Three of our members have decided to break away and form the AES,” he noted, adding that their exit should not sever relations between ECOWAS and the Sahel states.
According to the President, the destinies of ECOWAS and the AES countries remain deeply interconnected, making continued engagement not only desirable but necessary. He urged regional leaders to focus on bridge-building rather than exclusion, arguing that constructive dialogue could pave the way for the Sahel states’ eventual return to the ECOWAS fold.
“Instead of ostracising them, we must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel,” President Mahama said, emphasizing that West Africa’s shared geography and history impose a collective responsibility to work together for stability and development.
President Mahama also expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations within the sub-region, particularly between Ghana and Nigeria, noting that closer cooperation would yield significant benefits for citizens of both countries.
The remarks were made following his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. The ceremony took place in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 15.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso formally exited ECOWAS earlier this year, citing political and security disagreements with the regional bloc—a development that has raised concerns about unity, stability, and regional cooperation in West Africa.
