Mahama Extends Olive Branch to Sahel States as ECOWAS Celebrate Regional integration at 50 By Raymond Enoch
As Ghana prepares to host the grand launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations on April 22, 2025, President John Mahama Dramani has made a bold diplomatic move — inviting the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the festivities in Accra.
The three Sahelian nations, currently ruled by military regimes, are no longer part of the ECOWAS bloc, having exited the organization over governance and ideological differences. However, their historical ties to the formation and growth of ECOWAS remain undeniable.
In a significant gesture of regional solidarity and strategic diplomacy, President Mahama — recently elected and greeted with unexpected congratulations from the Sahelian trio — appears intent on rekindling a spirit of good neighbourliness. His invitation is being viewed as both a recognition of past cooperation and an effort to lay groundwork for renewed South-South dialogue, even amidst institutional rifts.
Observers say the move reflects Ghana’s intention to balance principle with pragmatism. While the political ideologies of the AES Confederation (Alliance of Sahel States) diverge sharply from ECOWAS norms, Mahama’s outreach suggests a readiness to maintain open channels and avoid deepening isolation within the region.
Whether the military regimes will accept the invitation remains to be seen. A refusal might signal further diplomatic estrangement, but their presence in Accra could mark a turning point in bridging the growing divide.
As ECOWAS celebrates half a century of both achievements and challenges, Mahama’s initiative could redefine the path toward reintegration and relevance in a shifting West African landscape.
