John Dramani Mahama urges Sahel states to accept international support

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the countries within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to welcome international assistance in their ongoing battle against terrorism. Speaking during an interview at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, the President emphasized that the escalating security challenges in West Africa require a more inclusive and collaborative approach. He urged the leadership of these nations to remain open to external partnerships to effectively suppress the spread of extremist activities in the region.

Drawing on Ghana’s own security strategy, President Mahama highlighted the country’s successful cooperation with global partners, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States. He presented these security partnerships as a viable model for counter-terrorism, suggesting that such collaboration provides essential resources and expertise that can bolster local efforts. By integrating international support with regional initiatives, he argued, West African nations can build a more resilient defense against insurgent groups.

The President specifically addressed the member states of the AES—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—which have faced significant security transitions recently. He advocated for the establishment of a new framework for regional cooperation that would better align the efforts of Sahelian states with those of the broader international community. Mahama stressed that isolationism in the face of terrorism could undermine the collective stability of the sub-region, making a unified front a necessity for long-term peace.

These remarks come as the Sahel continues to grapple with intense security pressures and shifting geopolitical alliances. By proposing a refreshed framework for engagement, President Mahama seeks to encourage a diplomatic path that balances national sovereignty with the practical needs of regional security. The call reflects a broader concern among West African leaders about the potential for instability to spill over borders if counter-terrorism efforts are not properly coordinated and supported.