President Mahama Calls for Dialogue and Bridge-Building Between ECOWAS and Sahel States

President John Dramani Mahama has urged leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remain committed to dialogue and engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), stressing that regional unity remains critical to peace and stability in West Africa.

Speaking on the growing security and political challenges confronting the sub-region during installation as ‘Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife’, ceremony held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria today 15th December, 2025, President Mahama said the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to break away from ECOWAS should not be allowed to undermine collective efforts at regional integration.

“Our sub-region is facing serious challenges, and we all know what is happening in the Sahel,” President Mahama said. “Three of our members have decided to break away and form the AES, but I do not believe this development should deter us.”

He emphasized that the historical, cultural and economic ties binding West African states together outweigh current disagreements, noting that exclusion would only worsen existing tensions.

“God put us together in this sub-region for a purpose,” he stated. “Instead of ostracising our brothers, we must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel, because our destinies are tied together.”

Drawing on a Ghanaian proverb, the former president warned that instability in one part of the region poses a direct threat to all.

“In Ghana, we say that when there is fire burning in your neighbour’s house, you take water and help to quench it,” Mr Mahama said. “If you stand by and allow your neighbour’s house to burn down, the fire will eventually spread to your own house.”

President Mahama called on ECOWAS leaders to sustain diplomatic engagement with the AES countries and encourage their eventual return to the regional bloc.

“We must continue to engage them, build bridges and encourage them to come back into the fold,” he added. “That is the only way we can secure lasting peace, stability and shared prosperity for our people.”

His comments come amid ongoing efforts by ECOWAS to redefine its relationship with the Sahel states following a series of military takeovers and their subsequent withdrawal from the regional body.