At a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 15, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama made a passionate appeal to the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging them to remain steadfast in dialogue and engagement with the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
His call came during his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, a moment that gathered dignitaries and traditional leaders from across the region.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama highlighted the growing security and political challenges facing West Africa. He cautioned that the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS and establish the AES should not undermine ongoing efforts at regional integration.
“Our sub-region is facing serious challenges, and we all know what is happening in the Sahel,” President Mahama stated. “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 the enduring historical, cultural, and economic bonds that unite West African nations, warning that exclusion and isolation would only exacerbate existing tensions. “God put us together in this sub-region for a purpose,” he noted. “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, President Mahama reminded the audience that regional security is a shared responsibility: “In Ghana, we say that when there is fire burning in your neighbour’s house, you take water and help to quench it. If you stand by and allow your neighbour’s house to burn down, the fire will eventually spread to your own house.”
He concluded by urging ECOWAS leaders to sustain diplomatic engagement and encourage the AES countries to return to the fold, insisting that only through unity can the region secure lasting peace, stability, and prosperity.
President Mahama’s remarks come at a critical time, as ECOWAS seeks to redefine its relationship with the Sahel states following a spate of military takeovers and their withdrawal from the regional bloc.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
