Former Ghanaian President John Mahama paid a courtesy visit to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he provided a detailed briefing on his recent diplomatic engagements in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Mahama, a respected statesman and former ECOWAS Chairman, has been actively involved in regional mediation efforts, particularly concerning the political instability that has gripped the Sahel region.
During their meeting, Mahama shared insights from his interactions with the military-led governments of the three countries, all of which experienced coups in recent years. He emphasized the need for sustained diplomatic dialogue to restore constitutional order and stability in these nations. Tinubu, as the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), expressed appreciation for Mahama’s efforts, reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to fostering peace and security in West Africa.
The two leaders discussed possible solutions to the growing threat of terrorism and extremism in the region, which has been exacerbated by governance challenges and military rule. They also explored avenues for enhancing cooperation between ECOWAS and regional stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to the crisis.
Mahama’s visit comes at a crucial time, as ECOWAS continues to navigate its diplomatic approach toward military juntas in the region. While the regional body has imposed sanctions on these countries in an attempt to pressure them into returning to democratic governance, Mahama’s engagement underscores the importance of maintaining open communication channels.
At the end of their discussion, Tinubu commended Mahama for his commitment to regional stability and assured him of Nigeria’s unwavering support for peace-building initiatives. Both leaders agreed that continued dialogue and strategic engagement remain the best approaches to resolving the lingering political crisis in the Sahel.