Mahama invites Sahel Military leaders to ECOWAS summit – Ablakwa

President John Mahama has invited military leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. They are invited to the upcoming ECOWAS summit in Accra. This summit marks the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS.

The invitation comes despite these countries cutting ties with ECOWAS earlier this year. They have formed their own Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Their withdrawal raises concerns about trade disruptions and regional cooperation for Ghana and its neighbors.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that President Mahama made the invitation as the summit host. He stated that all ECOWAS heads of state were invited, including AES leaders. “Because of the divorce from ECOWAS, it requires the host president to be solely responsible for that invitation,” he said.

Ablakwa added that President Mahama’s move aims to rebuild ties with the breakaway countries. He noted that there was no opposition when Mahama discussed inviting AES heads of state. This is a positive sign for reintegration into ECOWAS.

Mr. Ablakwa also mentioned that President Mahama briefed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on his discussions with military governments. “President Tinubu said at the next summit, President Mahama will present a detailed report,” he said.

Questions have arisen about the involvement of Sahelian leaders in ECOWAS matters after their exit. Fatau Musa, an ECOWAS expert, provided context on ongoing challenges.

He noted that until their departure, they participated in the Accra Initiative meetings. However, since around 2007, Sahelian countries have been reluctant to collaborate with others in the region.

Musa explained that previous attempts by ECOWAS to build a Sahel strategy faced strong opposition from Algeria. When G5 Sahel was created, other ECOWAS members' applications to join were rejected. Thus, the path taken by AES is not surprising.