The three Sahelian countries that recently left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Sahel States, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, are still in talks with the group, according to President John Dramani Mahama.
During the newly appointed German Ambassador to Ghana’s courtesy call at the Jubilee House on Friday, September 19, 2025, President Mahama emphasized the importance of unity in tackling the region’s security and development issues.
The absence of regional cooperation, he cautioned, might exacerbate insecurity and facilitate the spread of terrorism throughout West Africa.
“One of the areas we want to thank Germany for is the collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). The partnership has been very useful in terms of training and strategic thinking. We would like to continue that collaboration, especially now that the West Africa subregion is facing the threat of violent extremism.”
“The AES countries have broken away from ECOWAS, but we are engaged in continuous dialogue because we believe the difficulties they face are not theirs alone. If we do not show solidarity, the threat could easily spill over into the rest of the region,” he said.
Frederick Landshoft, Germany’s incoming ambassador, praised President Mahama for his leadership in regional and national matters.
“The energy of your administration is remarkable. I would like to commend you on your achievements, especially in improving the macroeconomy and other areas that have been recognised internationally.
“For us in Germany, it creates opportunities politically, socially, and economically. We share a long-standing history of cooperation, and this year marks 50 years of partnership,” he said, adding that Germany looks forward to deepening collaboration with Ghana on security, democracy, and economic growth.
Following a string of coups and their expulsion from the ECOWAS bloc, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger joined the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a confederation established to strengthen political, economic, and security connections.
Source: newsthemegh.com