Ghana's Mahama briefs ECOWAS chair Tinubu on Sahel mediation efforts

Ghanaian President John Mahama visited Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Thursday to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in the Sahel region.

Mahama briefed the Nigerian leader, who also chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on his trips to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger earlier in the year.

These nations, known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have experienced military coups, leading to strained relations with ECOWAS.

"I came to thank him for the honour during my inauguration but also to brief him on the visits to the Sahelian countries - Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger - and to bring him up to date with some of the issues and to discuss with him," Mahama told reporters.

Cautious optimism

He emphasised the complexity of the situation but expressed optimism that continued dialogue would resolve the issues between the AES and ECOWAS.

President Tinubu acknowledged the importance of Mahama's mediation efforts, stating, "I am indeed very happy with the efforts he has made to have a bridge between the AES countries and the ECOWAS. It’s not a bad idea for us because of the security situation in the Sahel region and what economic opportunities that we must embark to ensure security of lives and prosperity of our citizens.”