Emmanuel Bensah, a policy analyst specializing in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, has called for renewed dialogue to repair relations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The three countries formally announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in December 2024, citing the bloc’s perceived failure to protect its members and alleging interference in their sovereignty. This development followed ECOWAS-imposed sanctions in response to political instability and military coups within these nations.
A Call for Reconciliation
Bensah, speaking to Media Sources, emphasized the need for ECOWAS to use diplomatic channels to mend fences. He suggested leveraging former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s rapport with Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, as a key opportunity for mediation.
“It is an opportunity for President Mahama and ECOWAS to act, using Mahama’s current popularity and established relationships to facilitate reconciliation,” Bensah remarked.
Recent Developments
The call for reconciliation comes shortly after Ibrahim Traoré attended Mahama’s swearing-in ceremony earlier this week. The event, which was also attended by ECOWAS Chairperson Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offered a rare moment of engagement between the regional body and one of the breakaway states.
Bensah highlighted the importance of capitalizing on this moment to initiate backchannel discussions. “This is a critical opportunity for ECOWAS to engage with President Mahama and his team to chart a path toward reintegration. Strategic and discreet conversations could pave the way for rebuilding trust and fostering regional unity,” he added.
A Path Forward
Bensah’s remarks underline the broader need for ECOWAS to address the underlying grievances of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Reintegrating these nations into the bloc, he suggested, would strengthen regional stability and solidarity while addressing issues that have eroded trust within the organization.
