President John Dramani Mahama has called on West African leaders to pursue dialogue and engagement with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Speaking on regional integration, President Mahama said the exit of the three countries, now operating as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), should not lead to their isolation, stressing that cooperation remains essential to addressing the sub-region’s shared challenges.
“Our sub-region is facing challenges. Three of our members have decided to break away and form the AES,” he said, adding that the development should not deter ECOWAS from maintaining relations with the Sahel states.
President Mahama argued that the destinies of ECOWAS and the AES countries remain intertwined, making continued engagement vital. He urged regional leaders to focus on bridge-building rather than ostracism, noting that sustained dialogue could encourage the Sahel states to return to the ECOWAS fold.
“Instead of ostracising them, we must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel,” he said, emphasising that West Africa’s geographic and historical ties impose a responsibility on leaders to work together for collective stability and development.
The President also expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations within the sub-region, particularly with Nigeria, saying closer cooperation would benefit the peoples of both countries.
President Mahama made the remarks after 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 move that has raised concerns about unity and stability in West Africa.
