Ghana’s President Expresses Regret Over Mali,Burkina Faso,and Niger’s ECOWAS Withdrawal

President of Ghana,John Mahama has expressed on April 22 disappointment at the decision by Mali,and Niger to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),calling the move “regrettable.” Speaking at the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra on Tuesday,Mahama emphasized that diplomacy should focus on fostering mutual respect and advancing shared interests,even in the face of challenges.

Despite the withdrawal of the three countries,which have been under military rule for the past few years,Mahama advocated for ongoing dialogue with their leaders. The withdrawal follows a prolonged period of diplomatic tensions,particularly since the military coups in Niger,and Mali,which took place in 2023,2022,and 2020,respectively. The rift deepened after ECOWAS imposed significant sanctions on Niger,including border closures,a no-fly zone for commercial flights,and the freezing of the country’s central bank assets,in response to the 2023 coup.

In his comments,Mahama urged that efforts should be made to rebuild relationships,even as tensions remain,recognising the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts and preserving regional stability.