Mahama Updates Tinubu on Engagements With West Africa’s Junta-led Nations

President John Dramani Mahama has briefed the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Tinubu on his engagements with the leaders of military-led countries.

The Ghanaian President after taking office in January visited Colonel Assimi Goita of Mali, Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger and, Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso on separate occasions.

He interacted with the junta leaders of the countries that had seceded from the West African bloc.

On March 27, President Mahama briefed the Nigerian President on the outcomes.

“I also had the opportunity to brief President Tinubu, in his capacity as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, on my recent engagements with the leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.”

This was during his one-day working visit to Abuja in Nigeria.

According to President Mahama, there were insightful discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on enhancing ECOWAS to achieve greater economic integration and cooperation.

In a Facebook post, he said he emphasised the necessity for increased collaboration to combat terrorism and violent extremism that threaten our peace.

He also used the occasion to express “my gratitude for his attendance at my inauguration as Special Guest of Honour—a testament to the strong bond between Ghana and Nigeria!”

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announced their exit from ECOWAS a year ago citing sanctions imposed on them for truncating their democracies; ECOWAS’ failure in assisting their fight against terrorism and insecurity; and ECOWAS’ subjection to the influence of foreign powers.

Their withdrawal became legally recognized by the West African Bloc on January 29.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini