International Relations Analyst Dr. Yaw Gebe has endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to extend an invitation to the military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso for the launch of ECOWAS@50 in Accra, describing the gesture as a positive step toward regional reconciliation.

The three Sahel countries had previously withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish their own bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), following tensions with the regional body.

In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Bernard Avle, Dr. Gebe commended Mahama’s diplomatic outreach, saying it signals openness and a willingness to engage with the breakaway states.

“If President Mahama has again invited them to witness the inauguration of the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS, I think it is a step in the right direction,” he remarked.

He added that the presence of AES representatives at the anniversary launch on April 22, 2025, could pave the way for renewed conversations about reintegration and cooperation, despite their formal withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Dr. Gebe also called on ECOWAS leadership to critically reflect on the underlying reasons behind the exit of the Sahel nations. He emphasized the need for the bloc to adopt a more inclusive and problem-solving approach going forward.

“My prayer and longing is that whatever the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu or President John Mahama are doing, they should be conscious of the problems or challenges these countries are facing. The ECOWAS must be willing and ready to tackle those problems collectively. And that is a major shortcoming on the part of ECOWAS,” he said.

The ECOWAS@50 celebration is expected to draw representatives from all member states and the AES bloc, along with key regional and international partners. The event will serve as a platform to reflect on the community’s five decades of achievements and reaffirm its mission of fostering integration and peace across West Africa.