President John Dramani Mahama has advocated for renewed diplomatic relations with the Alliance of Sahel States, following the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The three nations, which established the Alliance of Sahel States, have cited discrepancies in ECOWAS’s operations as their justification for leaving the organization. In an effort to promote reconciliation, President Mahama has invited the departing countries to participate in the anniversary celebrations.
During the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th Anniversary in Accra on Tuesday, April 22, President Mahama referred to the withdrawal of the three junta-led nations as a regrettable occurrence, while underscoring the necessity of dialogue over isolation. He stated, ‘The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from the ECOWAS is a regrettable development.
We must respond not with isolation, recrimination, but with dialogue and the willing ability to listen and to engage.’
President Mahama highlighted the conviction that unity and cooperation are vital for achieving prosperity and stability throughout West Africa. ‘Since taking office, I have prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with the Sahel region. Ghana has designated a special envoy to facilitate high-level discussions with the Alliance of Sahel States.
I have personally led missions to cultivate trust, restore communication channels, and reaffirm our common goals. These efforts reinforce our belief that we share a common destiny as a sub-region, and that unity, despite its challenges, remains the most effective path to shared prosperity and regional stability,’ he remarked.
