“ECOWAS Setback: Ghana’s President Urges Sahel Nations to Return Amid Escalating Security Crisis”
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his hope that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger would rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during an interview with FRANCE 24. He acknowledged that the military juntas’ decision to withdraw from ECOWAS was a setback, and noted that the security situation in the Sahel region has deteriorated since the departure of French troops last year 2023.
Months after these countries formed the Confederation of Sahel States following their exit from ECOWAS, Akufo-Addo said the move had negatively impacted regional security. He also pointed out that the military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger seemed unwilling to return to democratic rule.
Akufo-Addo further commented that the withdrawal of French troops last year had worsened security in the Sahel. In Ghana, he praised a recent agreement with most of the country’s creditors to restructure its debt, calling it a significant achievement after years of economic turmoil. He also dismissed opposition claims about flaws in the electoral process and accusations of government suppression of protesters.
