ECOWAS assesses security risks after Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger withdrawals

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is formulating a contingency plan following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as concerns grow over regional security amidst rising terrorism and instability in the Sahel. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the need for a critical analysis of security arrangements and called for collaboration to address the implications of this withdrawal. Meanwhile, Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama is working to bridge the divide between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States by addressing trust issues and facilitating dialogue. Following a meeting with Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Mahama pledged to relay the Sahel states' concerns at an upcoming ECOWAS summit, highlighting the urgency of a coordinated response to terrorism. Discussions between the two leaders also included enhancing trade relations and exploring direct flights to boost connectivity between Ghana and Burkina Faso. This highlights ongoing efforts to restore cooperation and stability in West Africa amid escalating security challenges.