H E.Dramani Mahama of Ghana Diplomatic Mission to AES States, Meets Mali’s Military Leader, General Goïta.
By Raymond Enoch
In a bold diplomatic move aimed at restoring peace and unity in West Africa, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has began a crucial diplomatic tour across the Sahel region.
This visit which will take him to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, with the primary objective of mediating a return to dialogue between these nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This three-nation visit which will see the President arriving in Niamey, followed by visits to Bamako and Ouagadougou, comes at a critical time following the withdrawal of AES Countries from the between ECOWAS. These countries, which withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, following alleged disagreements over the handling of political transitions after military coups, now find themselves at breach of treaty with the regional organization.
Mahama, known for his adeptness in regional diplomacy, aims to act as a bridge between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States (ESA). His visit highlights the importance of maintaining regional stability and finding common ground to avoid a deeper political rupture. In a recent meeting with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, Mahama emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, “We need to see how we can work with them so that they not only remain within our sub-region, but also make the transition to a constitutional democracy.”
While the road to reconciliation will not be easy, Mahama’s efforts reflect ECOWAS’s determination to preserve the region’s unity. The leaders of the ESA have expressed a desire for greater autonomy, citing ECOWAS’s perceived alignment with external influences. However, ECOWAS remains essential for the region’s economic integration and development, advocating for the free movement of people and goods across member states.
Alongside the political dialogue, security concerns remain a significant part of Mahama’s mission. With the ongoing threat of terrorism in the Sahel, Mahama has reiterated the necessity of cooperation among West African nations in combating these security challenges. “We are ready to help them fight terrorism, because we all know that when your neighbour’s house is on fire, you have to help them put it out before the flames reach your own house,” Mahama stressed.
The visit to Mali, where President Mahama met with transitional leader General Assimi Goïta, was marked by ceremonial honors and important discussions on bilateral cooperation. Economic and security ties, particularly in the fight against jihadist insurgencies, were central to the talks. Ghana, though largely spared from the worst of the Sahel’s security issues, recognizes the importance of a collective approach to regional stability.
The future of ECOWAS and its relationship with the ESA hangs in the balance. If Mahama’s mediation proves successful, it could lead to a gradual rapprochement and possibly the return of the three nations to ECOWAS, fostering closer cooperation. However, if his efforts fail, the region could face further fragmentation, with unpredictable consequences for its political and economic landscape.
Mahama’s tour represents both a diplomatic gamble and a vital opportunity to chart a path toward reconciliation, peace, and security for West Africa. As he navigates this complex political terrain, the future of regional unity rests on the delicate balance he aims to strike between the diverse interests of ECOWAS and the Sahel states.
