President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed and stronger cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Sahel countries, stressing that dialogue and partnership are essential for peace, stability, and development across the sub-region.
Speaking in Ife, Nigeria, on December 15, 2025, after being honoured with a Yoruba chieftaincy title, Mahama noted that recent political tensions and security challenges have strained relations between ECOWAS and some Sahelian states.
He warned that prolonged divisions could undermine collective efforts to combat terrorism, manage cross-border crime, and address economic hardship affecting millions of people.
Mahama also highlighted that decisions by some Sahelian countries to exit ECOWAS should not discourage continued regional collaboration, emphasising that West African nations are united by a common purpose and share intertwined futures.
“We must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel,” Mahama said, stressing that West Africa’s security challenges are interconnected, making collaboration unavoidable.
Drawing on a local proverb to underscore his point, he likened the situation to helping a neighbour whose house is on fire, cautioning that inaction could allow the flames to spread.
He emphasised that instability in one part of the sub-region inevitably affects the entire region.
Mahama urged regional leaders to prioritise diplomacy, mutual respect, and inclusive engagement over isolation, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through cooperation rather than confrontation.
He further highlighted the need for ECOWAS to adapt to changing political realities while remaining committed to democratic principles and good governance.
Continuous dialogue with Sahelian leaders and institutions, he suggested, would help rebuild trust and pave the way for renewed regional integration.
Economic cooperation was also a central theme, with Mahama pointing to trade, infrastructure development, and youth employment initiatives as key tools to reduce instability and foster long-term growth across West Africa and the Sahel.
He concluded by calling on regional and international partners to support efforts to restore unity, arguing that a stable and united West Africa is vital not only for the sub-region but for the broader African continent.
