Ghanaian President Urges ECOWAS to Continue Dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger
Ghanaian President John Mahama has called for sustained diplomatic engagement between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Sahel nations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.
High-Level Meeting in Abuja
During a courtesy visit to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Mahama emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of communication with the three nations that withdrew from ECOWAS in 2024.
This marked Mahama’s first official visit to Nigeria since his inauguration on January 7. The Ghanaian leader stated he came to express appreciation for Nigeria’s support during his inauguration and to brief Tinubu on his recent diplomatic engagements with the Sahel countries.
Background of the Diplomatic Tension
The three nations exited the regional bloc following ECOWAS’s decision to impose sanctions on Niger Republic in response to the August 2023 military coup. This development has created significant geopolitical challenges in West Africa.
Related: ECOWAS Initiates Plan to Mitigate Consequences of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Withdrawal
Call for Continued Engagement
“As ECOWAS chairman, it is my duty to brief him on some of the concerns raised during those visits so that we can continue dialogue with these countries,” Mahama stated. “We just need to find ways to keep the conversation going.”
President Tinubu commended Mahama’s diplomatic efforts, warning that unchecked security challenges in the Sahel region could undermine economic development across West Africa. The Nigerian leader stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue to ensure regional stability and prosperity.
Regional Security Concerns
The meeting highlighted growing concerns about security in the Sahel region, with both leaders agreeing that diplomatic solutions remain crucial for maintaining peace and fostering economic cooperation among West African nations.
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