West Africa needs Unity now more than ever, Says President Mahama, Urges Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to Rejoin ECOWAS.
By Raymond Enoch
The month of March which is often referee to as the month of Women incidentally turned to be a great month in the life of the people of West Africa Region.
His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana reached a conclusion to devote the first of March 2025 as world turned out to celebrate contribution of women to a peaceful world in order to visit the countries of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso in a diplomatic and conciliatory move to build bridges of unity and solidarity that would signal the possible return of ECOWAS Members who on the 29th January 2025 exited the ECOWAS owing to military take over been frowned at in those countries.
President John Dramani Mahama arrived Niamey, Niger, for a highly anticipated working and friendship visit. The visit was warmly welcomed by Niger’s Transitional President, Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani. The visit served as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between Ghana and Niger, as well as advancing broader regional dialogue in West Africa.
His diplomatic visit to Niger, as well as Mahama’s earlier stops in Mali and Burkina Faso, is part of his overarching strategy to address pressing regional security issues and foster enhanced cooperation between West African countries he was visiting.
President Mahama message in Niamey was clear: to strengthen security, trade, and diplomatic relations with Niger with a particular emphasis on addressing the security challenges posed by the jihadist threat in the Sahel.
Our source has it that Mahama’s discussions with leaders in these countries also focused on finding common ground for cooperation in regional efforts to combat terrorism, improve economic opportunities, and enhance political stability importantly return to ECOWAS.
One of the central themes of President Mahama’s embarking on this mediation visit was his strong call for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to re-engage with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These three countries had withdrawn from the organization following political upheavals and coups, and Mahama has been outspoken about the importance of their return to ECOWAS to ensure the future stability and prosperity of the region.
Paradigm News gathered that in his meetings with leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, President Mahama emphasized that the security and economic challenges facing the region saying that such challenge can only be effectively addressed through unity. His message was always direct: for the sake of peace, prosperity, and stability in West Africa, it is essential for these members States to rejoin ECOWAS and work together with the rest of the region to tackle the growing threat of terrorism and instability.
In Mali, Mahama reiterated the importance of restoring ties with ECOWAS, emphasizing that re-engagement with the regional body would bring about greater collective security and economic benefits. “West Africa needs unity now more than ever,” Mahama said during his meeting with Mali’s Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta. “Mali’s return to ECOWAS will help us address our shared challenges—together we can build a stronger, safer region.”
A similar message was delivered to Burkina Faso, where Mahama urged the Transitional government to re-enter the fold of ECOWAS for the collective benefit of the region. He stressed that despite the political and security challenges the country has faced, cooperation with ECOWAS would provide essential resources and support to help stabilize the nation and the wider Sahel region. “Reintegration into ECOWAS will open doors for Burkina Faso to benefit from the regional economic initiatives and security collaborations that are vital for our shared future,” Mahama remarked.
In Niger, Mahama echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong ties with ECOWAS. While expressing understanding of the complex political dynamics in the region, he called for pragmatic solutions to bring Niger back into the ECOWAS fold. He suggested that by working together, the countries of the Sahel could better combat terrorism and promote regional growth. “A united West Africa is stronger and better equipped to face the challenges of our time,” he affirmed.
President Mahama’s visit marks a significant turning point in several other calls for regional stability and cooperation. His call for reintegration of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into ECOWAS signal a broader vision for a unified West Africa, where countries put aside differences to confront shared security and economic threats. His conciliatory approach encourages dialogue and cooperation, even among nations that have previously distanced themselves from the regional bloc.
In addition to security concerns, Mahama also focused on trade and economic partnerships, recognizing that cooperation in these areas is crucial for long-term peace and prosperity. Discussions on boosting trade, particularly in agriculture and cross-border commerce, were central to his meetings in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
As President Mahama continues his West African diplomatic efforts, his steps to engage the leadership of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger reflect his belief in the power of diplomacy to overcome divisions. His message of unity and cooperation offers a hopeful vision for a region facing numerous challenges.
Mahama’s call for these countries to return to ECOWAS is not just about political reintegration—it’s a broader appeal for a collective approach to peace, security, and sustainable development. With tensions running high in the Sahel, the commitment of these countries to return to ECOWAS could serve as a turning point in the region’s efforts to address the growing threat of extremism and instability, ultimately helping to pave the way for a more stable and prosperous West Africa.
