Burkina Faso: Cooperation and not the return to ECOWAS, clarifications on the objectives of President Mahama’s tour
The recent tour of Ghanaian President John Mahama in the West African sub-region, particularly in the countries of the Sahel States Alliance (AES) – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – has sparked numerous speculations and misinterpretations. Some believed it to be an attempt to convince these three countries to rejoin ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). However, a deeper analysis of the statements and political contexts reveals a different reality: the primary goal of this tour is to strengthen cooperation between the AES and ECOWAS, not to advocate for their return to the regional organization.
President Mahama clearly stated that his visit is part of a goodwill and working tour. His aim is to rebuild trust and explore ways for constructive collaboration between AES and ECOWAS. The statements made by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, suggesting that the AES countries should return to ECOWAS, do not necessarily reflect President Mahama’s position. In reality, insisting on the AES’s return to ECOWAS would be an unrealistic and futile pursuit for all parties involved.
The AES countries made a sovereign decision to leave ECOWAS, driven by concerns over their independence and autonomy. Their priority now is to strengthen their alliance and build a regional partnership based on mutual respect and balanced cooperation. In this context, President Mahama’s tour seeks to explore collaborative modalities that respect these principles, without challenging the strategic choices made by the AES.
It is essential to clarify the goals of this tour to avoid unnecessary confusion. President Mahama is not seeking to convince the AES countries to return to ECOWAS, but rather to open channels of dialogue and cooperation. This pragmatic approach is crucial for easing tensions and fostering constructive regional collaboration.
The Ghanaian president’s tour should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the AES and ECOWAS, while respecting the national sovereignties and strategic choices of each party. Instead of speculating about a hypothetical return to ECOWAS, it is time to focus on mutually beneficial partnerships and build a shared future for the West African sub-region.
Let us also note that on Monday, March 10, 2025, President Mahama will be in Ouagadougou to meet with his Burkinabe counterpart, President Ibrahim Traoré.
