An invitation has been extended by Ghana’s President John Mahama to the military leaders of Burkina Faso,Mali,and Niger,to attend the upcoming ECOWAS Summit in Accra. The summit will be significant as it marks the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS. This invitation comes despite the fact that the three Sahel countries formally cut ties with ECOWAS earlier this year and formed their own Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Their departure has raised concerns regarding potential disruptions to trade and regional cooperation,particularly for Ghana and its neighboring countries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that the invitation was made directly by President Mahama,acting in his capacity as the summit host. He clarified that all ECOWAS heads of state,including those from the AES countries,have been invited to the event. Given the Sahel nations’ departure from ECOWAS,the responsibility for extending the invitation rests solely with the host president. Ablakwa said that this gesture was aimed at fostering goodwill and potentially rebuilding ties between ECOWAS and the breakaway countries. He also noted that no opposition was encountered when President Mahama discussed his decision with his fellow ECOWAS leaders.
Furthermore,it was revealed that President Mahama had briefed ECOWAS Chair,Nigerian President Bola Tinubu,on his discussions with the military governments of the AES nations. Tinubu has agreed to allow President Mahama to present a detailed report on his engagements during the next ECOWAS summit. Meanwhile,questions remain about the future role of the Sahelian leaders in ECOWAS affairs,considering their official exit. Historical context was provided by Fatau Musa,who noted that although these nations had been involved in the Accra Initiative,they had been reluctant to fully collaborate with the rest of the region for many years.
United News - unews.co.za