The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that no sanctions will be imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their formal exit from the regional bloc.
ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, made this disclosure during a donation exercise at the Dzorwulu Special School to mark the organization’s 50th anniversary.
According to Ambassador Gana, the security challenges currently confronting the West African sub-region require greater collaboration, not punitive measures.
“The situation as it is now is one that calls for engagement. We must work together to tackle the pressing security issues facing our region. Cooperation and dialogue are essential,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that the three breakaway nations would reconsider their decision and rejoin ECOWAS, especially as efforts to maintain diplomatic ties are ongoing.
“President Mahama has sent an envoy to maintain dialogue, and just last week, the President of the ECOWAS Commission held meetings with the Foreign Ministers of the three countries,” Ambassador Gana revealed.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—each led by military juntas—have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) following military coups in their respective countries. Despite diplomatic overtures over the past year, they officially withdrew from ECOWAS earlier this year.
Ambassador Gana emphasised that ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary is a time for reflection and renewal, urging the region to build on its achievements and refocus efforts toward full integration.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, ECOWAS donated various items to the Dzorwulu Special School, including perishable food items, bags of water, beverages, and toiletries.
