Mahama to Address Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s Concerns at ECOWAS Summit
Former Ghanaian President John Mahama has expressed his commitment to conveying the concerns of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). After meeting with Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Mahama revealed that he had gained deeper insights into the reasons behind these countries' decision to withdraw from the regional bloc. He emphasized that the primary issue at hand is a breakdown in trust between the member states and ECOWAS. While acknowledging that rebuilding this trust would take time, he stressed the importance of fostering cooperation, even if these nations no longer belong to the same regional body. Mahama assured Traoré that he would raise these concerns during the upcoming ECOWAS summit, with the goal of promoting dialogue and restoring confidence among West African nations.
Beyond political considerations, Mahama highlighted the urgent need for collective efforts in combating terrorism in the region. He warned that the ongoing crisis, which initially began in Mali, has since spread to neighboring nations, threatening to destabilize West Africa if left unchecked. To tackle this security challenge effectively, he called for greater collaboration among regional leaders, regardless of their membership status in ECOWAS. During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen trade relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso, particularly in transit trade and agricultural exchanges. Furthermore, they explored the possibility of launching a direct flight route between Accra and Ouagadougou to enhance connectivity and economic ties between the two nations.
Additionally, Mahama revealed discussions on enhancing energy cooperation between Ghana and Burkina Faso. He proposed increasing Ghana’s electricity exports to Burkina Faso and extending the fuel pipeline from Bolgatanga to Ouagadougou to facilitate the efficient transportation of petroleum products. These initiatives, he noted, would not only boost economic integration but also improve energy security for both countries. As Mahama prepares to present these concerns at the ECOWAS summit, his discussions with Burkina Faso’s leadership reflect a broader effort to maintain regional stability and foster stronger bilateral relationships despite the political tensions. His approach underscores the necessity of dialogue in resolving diplomatic rifts while prioritizing security and economic cooperation across West Africa.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0