Ivory Coast and Ghana Call for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to Rejoin ECOWAS
Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara and Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama have urged Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after their recent exit from the regional bloc.
The three nations, now under military rule following coups between 2020 and 2023, officially withdrew from ECOWAS in January. Since then, they have formed their own alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
A Call for Unity
During a visit to Abidjan, Mahama expressed his willingness to mediate between ECOWAS and AES, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional ties and supporting a transition to democratic governance.
“I am ready to act as a bridge to help them remain part of our subregion and guide their return to constitutional democracy,” Mahama stated.
President Ouattara echoed this sentiment, saying, “I hope President Mahama’s appeal reaches our three brother nations so we can continue working together within ECOWAS.”
The Rift and Its Impact
Tensions escalated after Niger’s July 2023 coup, prompting ECOWAS to impose sanctions and threaten military intervention. In response, the three nations accused ECOWAS of failing to support them in combating security threats and being too influenced by external powers.
Relations between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with France—formerly a dominant force in the region—have also remained strained. Their withdrawal from ECOWAS took effect on January 29, 2025.
Strengthening Regional Security
Mahama reaffirmed Ghana and Ivory Coast’s commitment to regional stability, emphasizing that insecurity in one country affects its neighbors.
“When your neighbor’s house is on fire, you help put it out before it spreads to yours,” he said, pledging support in the fight against terrorism.
He also announced plans to visit the three countries soon in an effort to rebuild diplomatic ties.
ECOWAS Hopes for Reconciliation
President Ouattara emphasized that ECOWAS remains open to reintegrating Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, stating that the future of West Africa depends on regional cooperation.
Efforts to mediate, including attempts by Togo and Senegal, were unsuccessful, as the three governments declared their exit “irreversible.”
Beyond politics, the leaders also discussed key economic concerns, particularly defense, security, and the cocoa industry, as both Ghana and Ivory Coast are major global producers.
