Côte d’Ivoire’s President Ouattara Urges Ghana to Persuade Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to Reconsider ECOWAS Membership

Despite the sovereign decision of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Dramane Ouattara is making renewed efforts asking them to reconsider rejoining the regional bloc.

During the visit of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to Abidjan on March 5, Ouattara urged him to use his influence to convince the three Sahel nations to reconsider their withdrawal. Ouattara was reported to have emphasised the importance of maintaining regional unity and avoiding further fragmentation within West Africa.

Recall that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso’s separation from ECOWAS started by establishing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in a historic summit held in Niamey. Before officially withdrawingfrom the regional bloc, effective January 29, 2024.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) members, now Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), have since made moves at integration among member states. CSS has introduced its regional passport effective January 29, 2025, stating that AES member states can continue using ECOWAS passports until expiration, while new AES passports will be issued as replacements. This transition aims to streamline the movement of people and goods within the AES framework.

CSS also announced plans to establish a Regional Investment Bank. This decision was taken during a ministerial meeting of the CSS held in Bamako on January 16, 2025. Other key decisions from the session include launching transformative infrastructure projects across member states.

CSS recently hoisted its flag, marking a new chapter for Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The ceremony occurred on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Koulouba, Mali, with Mali’s transitional leader and CSS president, General Assimi Goïta. The flag was unveiled on February 22 in Bamako during a ceremony led by Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, Mali’s Prime Minister. Ministers from CSS member states attended after the Heads of State approved the design.

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