Mahama’s push to reintegrate Mali, Niger into ECOWAS commendable – Dr. Gebe

International Relations Analyst Dr. Yaw Gebe praised former President John Dramani Mahama. He commended Mahama for efforts to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into ECOWAS. These three nations had previously withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Dr. Gebe spoke on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Bernard Avle. He called Mahama’s invitation to AES countries for ECOWAS's 50th anniversary a meaningful diplomatic move. "If President Mahama has invited them, it is a step in the right direction," he said.

He noted that despite their withdrawal, AES nations can still engage with ECOWAS. Their presence at the anniversary could lead to renewed dialogue and collaboration. Dr. Gebe urged ECOWAS leaders to address the root causes of these nations' exit.

He emphasized the need for a united approach to regional challenges. "My prayer is that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and President Mahama are aware of these problems," he stated. He added that ECOWAS must be ready to tackle these issues collectively.

The April 22 event in Accra will gather all ECOWAS member states, including AES countries. It will also include regional and international partners. The event aims to celebrate ECOWAS’s achievements over the past 50 years and reaffirm its commitment to regional unity.