In a decisive move to combat escalating extremist violence and instability in West Africa, Ghana’s President John Mahama and Mali’s Prime Minister Gen. Abdoulaye Maiga have pledged to strengthen their nations’ ties. The northern regions of Ghana, along with neighboring Togo and Benin, face increasing threats from extremist groups operating in the Sahel.
“Our security is a common objective, and we must work together to ensure our subregion is safe,” Mahama stated during a press conference in Accra. He emphasized the urgency of collaboration, likening the situation to a neighbor’s house on fire: “If your neighbor’s house is on fire, you must assist them to quench it; otherwise, it will spread to yours.”
Mahama also acknowledged the recent establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—a defense pact formed after these countries withdrew from the regional West African bloc, ECOWAS. “Despite the temporary setback, we must keep our relationships strong. Ghana remains in strong solidarity with Mali,” he affirmed.
In response, Maiga commended Ghana’s vital role in promoting pan-Africanism, a key theme among the military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who have distanced themselves from their former colonial ruler, France. “The fight for African sovereignty aligns with the vision of President Mahama. We thank him for Ghana’s unwavering support,” Maiga remarked.
This meeting marks a significant step towards normalizing relations between the AES states and their neighbors, following recent coups and the strains resulting from their exit from ECOWAS. Additionally, Togo’s foreign minister did not dismiss the possibility of joining the AES, a move that would grant the currently landlocked alliance access to the Atlantic Ocean, enhancing regional security efforts.
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