Mahama invites Sahel leaders to ECOWAS summit
The high-level event marks the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS and is aimed at fostering regional unity despite recent political divisions.
The invitation, issued by President Mahama in his capacity as host of the summit, comes in the wake of the three Sahel nations’ withdrawal from ECOWAS earlier this year.
These countries have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), distancing themselves from the bloc and raising concerns over trade, security cooperation, and regional stability.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the invitation, stating that although the AES countries are no longer ECOWAS members, Mahama personally extended the invitation as a goodwill gesture.
“In line with promoting regional dialogue and reconciliation, President Mahama invited the heads of the AES states as guests of the Ghanaian president. There was no opposition from other ECOWAS leaders,” Ablakwa noted at the anniversary launch.
He emphasised that this outreach reflects a strong desire for reunification between ECOWAS and the breakaway states.
President Mahama has also briefed ECOWAS Chair, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, on his diplomatic efforts and is expected to present a full report at the next ECOWAS heads of state summit.
Despite the AES countries’ formal exit, questions continue to arise about their involvement in ECOWAS discussions.
According to ECOWAS analyst Fatau Musa, these tensions are part of a long history of regional fragmentation and competing alliances.
“The Sahelian states were often hesitant about deeper ECOWAS integration, even before forming AES. The current split isn’t surprising, given the past friction with initiatives like the G5 Sahel and Accra Initiative,” he explained.
Nonetheless, President Mahama’s invitation signals a hopeful step toward mending broken regional ties and promoting unity across West Africa.
