President John Dramani Mahama is being viewed as a potential unifier for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) amid growing regional instability, according to a report by AB & David Africa’s 2025 Crystal Ball Projections.

The report highlights Mahama’s ability to bridge divides and strengthen regional integration at a time when ECOWAS has been severely challenged by the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali in 2024. The three nations, which were suspended after military coups ousted their governments, later formalized their departure from the bloc, straining its cohesion and hindering its capacity to effectively address the crises in the Sahel region.

Mahama’s leadership has gained attention for offering renewed hope for dialogue and regional stability. His recent inauguration was attended by representatives from the breakaway nations, signaling potential avenues for reconciliation.

Shortly after taking office, Mahama welcomed Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, for an official visit to Ghana, reinforcing his commitment to fostering collaboration across the region.

Speaking at the annual Pan-African Business Forum, a senior partner at AB & David Africa emphasized Mahama’s neutral stance in the crises that divided ECOWAS. “President Mahama was not at the center of the conflicts that fractured the bloc, positioning him as a credible, neutral peacemaker who could play a pivotal role in reuniting ECOWAS and restoring its strength,” the partner said.

The analyst also pointed to the strategic importance of Sahel trade routes, suggesting that the timing of ECOWAS’s suspension of the three nations—coinciding with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s assumption of the chairmanship—may have been a critical misstep for the organization.

Source:TheDotNews