President John Dramani Mahama has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remain committed to dialogue and engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), stressing that regional unity is essential to peace and stability in West Africa.

Speaking at a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 15, 2025, President Mahama addressed growing security and political challenges confronting the sub-region. The occasion marked his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife.

President Mahama said the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS and form the AES should not be allowed to weaken collective efforts at regional integration.

“Our sub-region is facing serious challenges, and we all know what is happening in the Sahel,” he said. “Three of our members have decided to break away and form the AES, but I do not believe this development should deter us.”

He emphasized that the deep historical, cultural and economic ties among West African countries outweigh current political disagreements, warning that exclusion and isolation would only worsen existing tensions.

“God put us together in this sub-region for a purpose,” President Mahama noted. “Instead of ostracising our brothers, we must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel, because our destinies are tied together.”

Drawing on a Ghanaian proverb, the former president underscored the shared nature of regional security, cautioning that instability in one country poses a threat to all.

“In Ghana, we say that when there is fire burning in your neighbour’s house, you take water and help to quench it,” he said. “If you stand by and allow your neighbour’s house to burn down, the fire will eventually spread to your own house.”

President Mahama urged ECOWAS leaders to sustain diplomatic engagement with the AES countries and encourage their eventual return to the regional bloc.

“We must continue to engage them, build bridges and encourage them to come back into the fold,” he added. “That is the only way we can secure lasting peace, stability and shared prosperity for our people.”

His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by ECOWAS to redefine its relationship with the Sahel states following a series of military takeovers and their subsequent withdrawal from the regional body.