President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to avoid isolating Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their formal withdrawal from the regional bloc earlier this year.

Speaking Tuesday at the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary in Accra, Mr.Mahama described the exit of the three military-led nations as “regrettable,” but emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement over punitive measures. The countries—now operating as the Alliance of Sahel States—cited operational inconsistencies within ECOWAS as justification for their departure.

“The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS is a regrettable development,” Mahama said. “We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with dialogue and a willingness to engage.”

President Mahama, who has assumed an active diplomatic role since returning to the political stage, said Ghana has appointed a special envoy tasked with reestablishing high-level contact with the Alliance. Mahama himself has led several missions aimed at restoring communication and fostering regional trust.

“These efforts affirm our belief that we have a shared destiny as a sub-region,” he said. “Unity, however difficult, remains the best path toward shared prosperity and stability.”

His remarks come amid rising concerns over growing political fragmentation in West Africa, where recent coups and governance disputes have strained long-standing regional alliances. Mahama extended an invitation to the Sahel states to participate in ECOWAS’s anniversary celebrations as a gesture of reconciliation.

Analysts say the next steps taken by ECOWAS will be critical in shaping the bloc’s future cohesion and influence.

Source:TheDotNews