President Bola Tinubu Thursday received President of Ghana, John Mahama in Abuja after the latter’s shuttle trip to three francophone countries in West Africa.
This is Mahama’s first official visit to Nigeria since his inauguration on January 7, 2025.
During a meeting held at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu lauded Mahama’s diplomatic engagement with the military junta leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
This visit, aimed at addressing the ongoing security challenges and stabilizing the region, was presented as an essential step towards fostering peace and economic growth across the region.
Tinubu emphasized the significance of Mahama’s talks with the leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, stating that they were crucial not only for regional security but also for the well-being of the people in the affected countries.
He remarked, “I am pleased that he is here today. His efforts to bridge the gap between the AES countries and ECOWAS are commendable. Given the security challenges in the Sahel, it is vital that we seize every opportunity to ensure the safety of lives and foster prosperity for our citizens.”
The ECOWAS Chair further highlighted that the innocent civilians of the AES countries—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—remain the primary victims of the ongoing crisis.
“It is not just about leadership, but about the citizens who suffer most. They must be the first beneficiaries of peace and stability,” he added.
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In response, former President John Mahama shared insights from his recent diplomatic mission, noting that his visit to President Tinubu was both a gesture of appreciation and an opportunity to update him on the progress of discussions with the military leaders of the Sahelian nations.
Mahama acknowledged the complexities of the situation, stressing that continued dialogue remains essential.
He remarked, “The situation is complicated, and it’s not as simple as it seems. But with sustained communication and constructive dialogue, we can resolve the issues at hand.”
Mahama also underscored his responsibility as the ECOWAS Chairman to keep Tinubu informed about the concerns raised during his visits to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
“I came to brief him on the emerging developments and to discuss the concerns raised so we can continue working towards a resolution,” Mahama added.
It is worth noting that during its most recent meeting, ECOWAS reaffirmed its stance of openness towards the AES states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—despite their official withdrawal from the regional bloc.
The organization granted a six-month period for these countries to reconsider their decision, with the possibility of rejoining ECOWAS in the future.
They are also set to discuss key regional matters within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States, where both countries play influential roles.
This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts by both leaders to foster closer ties and deepen bilateral cooperation between their nations.
Crediblenewsng.com
