President John Mahama says instead of ostracizing the three countries that have exited ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the focus should be on building bridges and sustaining dialogue with them to safeguard regional unity and stability.
The countries are; Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
Speaking shortly after the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, conferred a revered Yoruba chieftaincy title on him, President Mahama said engagement, not isolation, remains the most effective path to resolving the current regional impasse.
“Our sub-region is
facing challenges. We all know what is happening in the Sahel. Three of ourmembers have decided to break away and form the AES. I believe that it shouldn’tdeter us, because God put us in this sub-region together for a purpose. And so, I believe that instead of ostracizing them, we must work to continue to build abridge between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel. Because our destinies aretied together,” he said.
The President added that, “In Ghana they say if there’s fire burning in your neighbor’s house,take water and go and help him to quench the fire. Because when he finishesburning his house, it will spread into your house. And so, we must continue tobuild bridges with our brothers in the AES countries and continue to encouragethem to come back into the fold.”
The Yoruba title, interpreted as “a President who reorders the global space for the good of humanity,” was conferred in recognition of President Mahama’s leadership and his consistent advocacy for global cooperation, fairness, and sustainable development.
The conferment event was preceded by several days of preparations at the Ooni’s palace, marked by customary rites.
This latest recognition adds to President Mahama’s tall list of traditional honours.
