The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, have agreed to barter a proper cooperation framework almost 21 months after the three nations introduced their withdrawal from the regional bloc. According to the Bureau of African Affairs,……
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, have agreed to barter a proper cooperation framework almost 21 months after the three nations introduced their withdrawal from the regional bloc.
According to the Bureau of African Affairs, the settlement adopted a ministerial assembly held in Dakar, Senegal, on October 17, 2026, the place each events agreed to determine joint thematic working teams to conduct technical discussions in the direction of a cooperation framework.
A joint communiqué issued after the assembly acknowledged that the working teams would look at areas of frequent curiosity, with their findings to be submitted to ministers for consideration at a subsequent assembly. The date and venue of the subsequent session can be decided by means of diplomatic channels.
The ECOWAS delegation was led by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang, who chairs the bloc’s Council of Ministers, whereas Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, headed the AES delegation and chaired its ministerial steering committee.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger introduced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024 following tensions over navy coups, sanctions and disagreements in regards to the transition to civilian rule. Their departure formally took impact on January 29, 2025.
Trade and regional ties stay at stake
The Dakar assembly comes as either side search to outline their relationship following the break up whereas preserving longstanding social, cultural and financial connections throughout West Africa.
In the joint communiqué, the events mentioned future relations ought to be guided by good neighbourliness, respect for sovereignty, dignity and the welfare of the area’s populations.
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They additionally expressed a dedication to growing a balanced and lifelike cooperation framework that protects the pursuits of their respective populations.
The proposed settlement may create a foundation for collaboration on points affecting cross-border commerce, transportation and regional infrastructure. The three landlocked AES nations depend upon routes by means of neighbouring states to entry seaports and worldwide markets, whereas coastal economies keep industrial ties with the Sahel.
However, the communiqué didn’t announce a brand new commerce settlement or adjustments to current cross-border preparations. Instead, it established a course of for technical discussions, with ministers anticipated to contemplate suggestions from the joint working teams.
The assembly additionally adopted consultations held in Bamako, Mali, on May 22, 2025, reflecting continued efforts by either side to determine a structured relationship after the three nations’ departure from ECOWAS.
The events expressed appreciation to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his authorities for internet hosting the assembly and supporting regional integration.
The subsequent part of the method will depend upon the suggestions of the joint working teams and whether or not ECOWAS and the AES can translate their dedication into a proper cooperation settlement.
