Sahel Bloc Leaders to Attend ECOWAS Summit in Accra as Reconciliation Efforts Advance

Leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—have accepted an invitation to participate in an extraordinary summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra, Ghana. The summit, scheduled for 22–23 April 2025, coincides with the launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations .​

Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the AES leaders’ acceptance at a press briefing on 17 April. He emphasised that the invitation is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to mediate between ECOWAS and the Sahel states, aiming to address the recent fragmentation within the regional bloc .​

The summit will bring together foreign and finance ministers from all ECOWAS member states to discuss the implications of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from the bloc. These three countries formally exited ECOWAS on 29 January 2025, citing dissatisfaction with ECOWAS-imposed sanctions and a perceived lack of support for internal security challenges.

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In response to their departure, the trio established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new regional coalition focusing on security and economic cooperation. The AES has initiated joint military operations and introduced its own biometric passports, signalling a shift towards regional autonomy. 

Despite the formal exit, ECOWAS has expressed a willingness to maintain dialogue with the AES countries. The bloc has extended invitations for cooperation in security and humanitarian efforts, recognising the interconnectedness of the region’s challenges .​

The upcoming summit in Accra is viewed as a critical opportunity to re-engage with the AES nations. Former Deputy Foreign Minister Charles Owiredu described the meeting as a chance to address the root causes of the split and explore pathways for reintegration .

The ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations will commence with the unveiling of a commemorative logo and theme, setting the tone for a year-long series of events across member states . The inclusion of AES leaders in these celebrations underscores a commitment to regional unity and the possibility of renewed collaboration.​

As the region confronts shared challenges, including extremist violence and humanitarian crises, the Accra summit represents a pivotal moment for ECOWAS and the AES to redefine their relationship and work towards collective stability and prosperity.