By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to maintain dialogue with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso despite their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
He said the three countries, now operating under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), should not be isolated, stressing that continued cooperation is essential to addressing shared security and development challenges in West Africa.
President Mahama made the remarks shortly after his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua 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.
Speaking on regional integration, he noted that although the three countries have broken away from ECOWAS, their futures remain closely linked to those of the wider sub-region.
“Our sub-region is facing challenges. Three of our members have decided to break away and form the AES, but that should not deter us,” he said. “Instead of ostracising them, we must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel.”
He explained that West Africa’s geographical, historical and cultural ties make continued engagement unavoidable, adding that sustained dialogue could encourage the Sahel states to eventually return to ECOWAS.
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of strong bilateral relations within the sub-region, particularly between Ghana and Nigeria, saying closer cooperation would benefit citizens and strengthen regional stability.
He further praised Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining a strong personal relationship with him, including during periods when he was in opposition.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso formally exited ECOWAS earlier this year, citing political and security disagreements with the regional body. The decision has raised concerns about unity, peace and stability in West Africa.
