403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were
looking for doesn't exist.
Ghana tries to mend relations between local bloc, breakaway nations
(MENAFN) Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, aiming to restore ties between the three countries and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The regional tour, which began on Saturday, follows Mahama’s recent pledge during a visit to Côte d’Ivoire to act as a mediator between ECOWAS and the breakaway nations.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Mahama emphasized the need to restore trust and confidence between the parties.
“There is a breakdown of trust among the leadership. It will take time to rebuild, but we must work together to mend relations,” he stated.
The three nations officially exited ECOWAS on January 29, citing sovereignty concerns and accusing the bloc of serving foreign interests, particularly those of France. Their departure followed military coups that led to strained relations with the regional organization.
ECOWAS had previously threatened military intervention in Niger after the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. This, along with concerns over French influence and the failure of foreign troops to curb jihadist violence in the Sahel, prompted Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to form a new alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
While Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé and Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye have been leading talks to persuade the three countries to reconsider their withdrawal, AES members have insisted that their decision is final.
On Monday, Mahama confirmed that he would report back to ECOWAS on the discussions held with the interim leaders in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The regional tour, which began on Saturday, follows Mahama’s recent pledge during a visit to Côte d’Ivoire to act as a mediator between ECOWAS and the breakaway nations.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Mahama emphasized the need to restore trust and confidence between the parties.
“There is a breakdown of trust among the leadership. It will take time to rebuild, but we must work together to mend relations,” he stated.
The three nations officially exited ECOWAS on January 29, citing sovereignty concerns and accusing the bloc of serving foreign interests, particularly those of France. Their departure followed military coups that led to strained relations with the regional organization.
ECOWAS had previously threatened military intervention in Niger after the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. This, along with concerns over French influence and the failure of foreign troops to curb jihadist violence in the Sahel, prompted Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to form a new alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
While Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé and Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye have been leading talks to persuade the three countries to reconsider their withdrawal, AES members have insisted that their decision is final.
On Monday, Mahama confirmed that he would report back to ECOWAS on the discussions held with the interim leaders in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment