Mahama to ECOWAS: Don’t isolate Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso

President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed diplomacy with the Alliance of Sahel States. This follows the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS. The three countries cited inconsistencies in ECOWAS operations as their reason for leaving.

To promote reconciliation, President Mahama invited these nations to anniversary celebrations. He spoke at the launch of ECOWAS's 50th Anniversary in Accra on April 22. He described the departure of the three junta-led nations as regrettable.

Mahama stressed the importance of dialogue over isolation. "We must respond not with isolation or recrimination," he said. Instead, we should engage and listen to each other.

He emphasized that unity and collaboration are essential for prosperity in West Africa. Since becoming president, he has prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with the Sahel region. Ghana has appointed a special envoy for high-level talks with the Alliance of Sahel States.

Mahama has personally led missions to rebuild trust and communication channels. He believes these efforts affirm our shared destiny as a sub-region. Unity, though difficult, is crucial for achieving prosperity and regional stability.