(Ecofin Agency) - Since January 29, the AES countries are no longer part of ECOWAS, but they still have time to reconsider their decision. Ghana, which has bolstered its relations with the Liptako-Gourma region, is ready to assist in welcoming the three nations back.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has called on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stressing that the region is stronger together. Speaking alongside former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on March 6, 2025, Ouattara expressed his confidence that the three Sahelian nations could return to the regional bloc, from which they officially withdrew in January 2025. For Ouattara, reuniting these nations is vital for the future of West Africa's people.

Mahama shared this optimistic outlook, suggesting that solutions are still possible for reconciliation. "There is always a possibility to be able to reassure them that ECOWAS I a committee of nations that covers our entire sub-region. ECOWAS is beneficial to all of our countries. They are better as part of the 15 than only as 3 countries,” he said. "There is more that unites us than divides us,” he added.

These comments come amid increasing efforts by Ghana to improve relations with the countries of the Sahel. Since Mahama’s election, Ghana has shown openness to engagement. Recently, the Ghanaian government appointed a special envoy for the region and invited Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré to Mahama’s inauguration on January 7. A Ghanaian delegation also visited Bamako to extend an official invitation to Mali’s leader, Assimi Goïta, signaling Ghana’s desire to strengthen its relationships with these countries.

In contrast, relations between Côte d'Ivoire and the Sahel states have been strained. Ouagadougou accuses Abidjan of attempting to destabilize President Traoré’s regime, while Ouattara faces criticism from activists for his close ties with France.

Despite their official exit from ECOWAS, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso still have a six-month period in which they can reverse their decision. To prevent a sudden disruption in trade and social exchanges, ECOWAS has allowed citizens of these countries to move, live, and settle freely within the region until further notice. This temporary measure is expected to soften the immediate economic and investment impacts of their departure, even though these three countries account for just 12% of ECOWAS's GDP and 6.29% of its investment bank’s capital, according to IMF data.

While calls for dialog continue, ECOWAS leaders have remained firm in their stance that a reversal of their decision is not an option. On January 29, they introduced new passports representing their alliance, a clear symbol of their gradual detachment from ECOWAS.

At the press conference, President Ouattara expressed full confidence in Mahama's ability to mediate successfully. Mahama, for his part, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering constructive dialogue with the leaders of the Sahel nations.