International Relations Analyst, Dr. Yaw Gebe, has praised former President John Dramani Mahama for his efforts to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The three nations had earlier withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Bernard Avle, Dr. Gebe described President Mahama’s invitation to the AES countries to attend the ECOWAS 50th anniversary launch in Accra on April 22, 2025, as a meaningful diplomatic move.
“If President Mahama has again invited them to witness the inauguration of the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS, I think it is a step in the right direction,” he said.
Dr. Gebe noted that despite their withdrawal, the AES nations can still engage with ECOWAS, and their presence at the anniversary could open the door to renewed dialogue and collaboration.
He also urged ECOWAS leaders to address the root causes of the Sahel states’ exit, calling for a united approach to regional challenges.
“My prayer and longing is that whatever the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu or President John Mahama are doing, they should be conscious of the problems or challenges these countries are facing. The ECOWAS must be willing and ready to tackle those problems collectively. And that is a major shortcoming on the part of ECOWAS,” he stated.
The April 22 event in Accra is expected to bring together all ECOWAS member states, including AES countries, as well as regional and international partners. It will celebrate ECOWAS’ achievements over the past 50 years and reaffirm its commitment to regional unity.
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