Malian Prime Minister Visits Ghana Amid Tense Regional Relations

The Prime Minister of Mali, Major General Abdoulaye Maiga, arrived in Accra, leading a high-level delegation to deliver a message from Mali’s President of the Transition, Army General Assimi Goita, to Ghanaian President John Mahama, who was recently sworn into office.

This diplomatic mission comes at a critical time, as Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, has announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing tensions with the bloc over political transitions and regional stability.

Ghana, a founding member of ECOWAS, has played a pivotal role in advocating for democracy and stability in the region, making this visit particularly significant.

Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Prime Minister Maiga and his delegation were warmly received by the Honorable Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, a member of the Presidency of the Republic and former Minister of Justice of Ghana.

The Ambassador of Mali to Ghana, Oumar Konaté, along with representatives of the Malian community and delegations from Burkina Faso and Niger, also extended a warm welcome to the visiting officials. Accompanying the Prime Minister were Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Diop, and the diplomatic advisor to the President of the Transition, Ms. Fatou Binta Diop.

The Malian delegation also met with President Mahama at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, January 16, 2024. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Maiga engaged with the Malian community in Ghana to address their concerns and provide updates on the transition government’s policies.

This visit underscores Mali’s commitment to maintaining bilateral relations with Ghana despite its broader discontent with ECOWAS. It also reflects a wider push by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to realign their regional partnerships in the wake of their exit from the West African bloc.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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