Ghana Invites Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to ECOWAS@50 Launch in Accra

President John Dramani Mahama has invited the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. They are invited to the 50th anniversary launch of ECOWAS. This event will take place on April 22 in Accra.

The invitation follows these nations' recent departure from ECOWAS. They left to form a new alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Their withdrawal has raised concerns about regional cooperation and security.

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, spoke at a press briefing. He called the invitation “a gesture of reconciliation.” It aims to heal divisions and reopen communication lines.

“Ghana believes in dialogue, not disengagement,” Ablakwa stated. He emphasized that this reflects a commitment to peace and cooperation among West Africans.

The ECOWAS@50 launch will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre. It marks five decades since ECOWAS was founded in 1975. The organization promotes economic integration and political cooperation but faces challenges like coups.

President Mahama will host the anniversary event. It will unveil a new ECOWAS@50 logo and announce a year-long Jubilee theme. High-profile attendees are expected, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Observers see this invitation as an important moment for dialogue in West Africa. A regional analyst noted that it signals Ghana’s leadership in promoting unity during critical times.

It remains uncertain if Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will accept the invitation. However, Ghana's outreach has sparked discussions about a potential new chapter in West African diplomacy.