The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Mr. Sulemana Braimah has critically evaluated the ongoing mediation efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address governance crises in the three member countries notably Burkina Faso.
Speaking about a recent high-level regional engagement he participated involving the AU and ECOWAS; Mr. Braimah emphasized the need for strategic leadership in ECOWAS’s efforts to restore democratic governance in these nations. He emphasized;
“The indication that I got was that I think the best foot forward for ECOWAS now in terms of the ongoing engagements and mediation efforts to get these three countries to stay, their best foot now appears to be President Mahama. He’s been there before as president, had good relations with these three countries.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
He underscored the strategic advantage of John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, in leading mediation efforts, citing his experience and positive relationships with the affected countries.
According to Braimah, Mahama’s diplomatic approach contrasts sharply with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s controversial. He stated;
“Burkina Faso took a very serious exception to what President Akufo-Addo did when he visited the U.S. in terms of accusing the Burkinabe authorities of using their mineral resources to pay Russia to do certain things. And obviously, the president had to send a delegation to basically try and soften the anger on the part of the Burkinabes.’’
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Mr. Braimah further highlighted the limitations of the current ECOWAS-appointed mediators, including the Presidents of Senegal and Togo. He added;
“The truth of the matter is that, of course, every president is president, but we do know that the Senegalese president is fairly young, hadn’t actually been in politics before. And so in terms of experience and all of that, I think it’s a bit on the downside.’’
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
He also raised concerns about the credibility of the Togolese President in advocating for constitutional governance, given his own track record.
“You talk about Togo, and people say that, look, these guys have already done that in their three countries, Burkina, Mali and Niger. We are talking about undemocratic governance or probating the constitutional order and so on and people are saying that the president in Togo is literally doing the same thing.
This is someone who opposed efforts to have term limits, somebody who keeps changing the constitution. The latest he did was to amend the constitution and have himself as Prime Minister, meanwhile, there is no president. And basically have himself in power for life. How can ECOWAS that says we are opposed to unconstitutional governance and undemocratic processes have this person to lead the mediation.’’
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Given these challenges, Mr. Braimah reiterated his belief that President Mahama is the appropriate President to play a pivotal role in bridging the divide and ensuring a successful mediation.
Council of State and Constitutional Requirements
Moreover, transitioning to domestic governance, Mr. Braimah addressed the critical role of the Council of State in supporting President Mahama’s governance processes.
He stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional requirements regarding the establishment of the Council of State, even before the President-elect is sworn in.
“In terms of the council of state and the ministerial thing, I’m not a lawyer, but I think if the law requires that, it is possible to do it. Between the period when the president is declared president-elect, all the way to swearing in, nothing stops the president from having those that he wants to nominate as council of state members nominated, because it’s not all by elections.’’
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Mr. Braimah cautioned against neglecting constitutional requirements, particularly during presidential transitions. He noted;
“If the constitution requires that, as soon as the president-elect is elected, we can do the election for the regional representatives, knowing very well that as soon as the president is sworn in, there must be a council of state that enables him to make appointments.’’
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
He also warned against creating avoidable delays, which could result in constitutional breaches.
Mr. Braimah concluded by urging stakeholders to prioritize constitutional compliance to facilitate smoother governance transitions.
Mr. Sulemana Braimah’s comments underscore the urgency of strategic leadership in ECOWAS mediation efforts and the critical need for constitutional adherence during presidential transitions.
His call for experienced mediators like President Mahama and proactive governance mechanisms reflects his commitment to democratic principles and effective governance in the region.
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