President John Dramani Mahama has urged West African leaders to engage in dialogue with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, following their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In his remarks on regional integration, President Mahama stated that the withdrawal of these three nations, which have now formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), should not result in their isolation. He emphasised that collaboration is crucial for tackling the shared challenges faced by the sub-region.
“Our sub-region is encountering difficulties. Three of our members have chosen to separate and establish the AES,” he remarked, adding that this situation should not prevent ECOWAS from fostering relationships with the Sahel states.
President Mahama contended that the futures of ECOWAS and the AES nations are interconnected, making ongoing engagement essential. He called on regional leaders to prioritise bridge-building over exclusion, highlighting that continuous dialogue could motivate the Sahel states to rejoin ECOWAS.
“Rather than excluding them, we should persist in constructing bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel,” he stated, underscoring that the geographic and historical connections of West Africa impose a duty on leaders to collaborate for collective stability and progress.
The President also conveyed his hope for enhancing bilateral relations within the sub-region, especially with Nigeria, asserting that closer cooperation would be advantageous for the citizens of both nations.
President Mahama made these comments 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 occurred in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 15.
Earlier this year, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso officially withdrew from ECOWAS, citing political and security disagreements with the regional organisation, a decision that has raised concerns regarding unity and stability in West Africa. President John Dramani Mahama has stated that Africa is confronted with numerous challenges, including a global order that is still biased against the continent, particularly concerning the endowment of natural resources.
He emphasises that it is crucial for African nations to enhance the value of their exports and obtain a more equitable share of the natural resource wealth.
Most importantly, he remarked, this is the moment for us to deliver transparent and accountable leadership to our citizens and to harness the creativity and energy of the youth.
President Mahama expressed these thoughts on Facebook after participating in the Jamhuri Day celebrations alongside President William Samoei Ruto.
He conveyed that the people of Ghana stand in solidarity with their Kenyan counterparts. We honour the legacy of our ancestors who fought bravely for our freedom, and we do not take their sacrifices lightly.
“The bond between our independence leaders is a lasting flame that continues to unite our two nations in a spirit of Pan-African solidarity. Africa is facing numerous challenges, including a global order that is still skewed against us. It is essential for us to enhance the value of our exports and secure a more just share of our natural resource wealth.
“However, most importantly, this is the time for us to provide transparent and accountable leadership to our people and to unleash the creativity and energy of our youth. Kenya remains a valued member of the African Union and other international organisations, and Ghana wishes you ongoing success,” he wrote.
