Since January 29, the AES countries are no longer part of ECOWAS, but they still have time to reconsider their decision. Ghana, which has bolstered its relations with the Liptako-Gourma region, is ready to assist in welcoming the three nations back.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has called on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stressing that the region is stronger together. Speaking alongside former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on March 6, 2025, Ouattara expressed his confidence that the three Sahelian nations could return to the regional bloc, from which they officially withdrew in January 2025. For Ouattara, reuniting these nations is vital for the future of West Africa’s people.
Mahama shared this optimistic outlook, suggesting that solutions are still possible for reconciliation. “There is always a possibility to be able to reassure them that ECOWAS I a committee of nations that covers our entire sub-region. ECOWAS is beneficial to all of our countries. They are better as part of the 15 than only as 3 countries,” he said. “There is more that unites us than divides us,” he added.
