By Gabriel Ameh
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, have agreed to pursue a new framework for cooperation despite their political differences.
The agreement was reached during the first ministerial consultative meeting between the two regional blocs, held in Dakar, Senegal, from October 16 to 17, 2026.
The discussions focused on establishing a foundation for structured engagement based on good neighbourliness, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the dignity and well-being of West African citizens.
According to the meeting’s final communiqué, both sides welcomed the spirit of fraternity, openness and mutual respect that characterised their discussions. They also acknowledged the historical, cultural, social and economic ties shared by their populations.
ECOWAS, AES to Establish Joint Working Groups
As part of efforts to translate the discussions into practical action, the two regional blocs agreed to establish joint thematic working groups.
The groups will conduct technical discussions and develop proposals for a framework cooperation agreement between ECOWAS and the AES Confederation.
Their recommendations will be submitted to the ministers for consideration ahead of another meeting, with the date and venue to be determined through diplomatic consultations.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing a balanced and realistic cooperation framework that protects the interests of their respective populations.
The ECOWAS delegation was led by Senegal’s Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Cheikh Niang, who chairs the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, led the AES delegation in his capacity as chairman of the AES Ministerial Steering Committee. Both ministers co-chaired the meeting.
The Dakar consultations followed the first official discussions between the two sides in Bamako, Mali, in May 2025, when they explored areas of common interest for future engagement.
Why ECOWAS and AES Are Seeking Cooperation
The renewed diplomatic engagement comes after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025.
The three countries, which are governed by military-led authorities, had accused the regional organisation of yielding to Western influence and abandoning the principles of its founding fathers.
Their departure followed a series of military coups that led ECOWAS to suspend the countries and impose sanctions under its regional framework on democracy and good governance.
ECOWAS also considered possible military intervention in Niger following the 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum. However, the bloc subsequently pursued diplomatic engagement and lifted several sanctions.
Despite their withdrawal from ECOWAS, the three Sahel countries continue to share geographical, cultural and economic connections with the remaining member states.
They also face common regional challenges, including terrorism, cross-border insecurity, poverty and economic vulnerability.
These shared concerns have increased the importance of maintaining communication and exploring areas of cooperation despite the political differences between the two blocs.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to West African Unity
Nigeria was represented at the Dakar meeting by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
According to a statement by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his participation reflected the country’s commitment to ensuring that the AES countries’ withdrawal from ECOWAS did not weaken the longstanding cultural and geographical ties among West African nations.
Nigeria’s position highlights the importance of maintaining regional relationships even as political divisions reshape cooperation across West Africa.
Established in May 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos, ECOWAS was created to promote economic integration, development and cooperation among West African countries.
The organisation has traditionally played a central role in regional diplomacy, trade integration and responses to political instability.
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, however, has presented fresh challenges for regional cooperation, particularly in security coordination and economic integration.
Security and Economic Interests Remain Interconnected
The AES countries continue to battle persistent terrorism and insurgency across the Sahel, one of the regions most severely affected by extremist violence.
They have also strengthened military cooperation with Russia following deteriorating relations with France, their former colonial power and a longstanding security partner.
Economically, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger remain members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which uses the CFA franc as its common currency.
Their continued participation in the monetary union demonstrates that important economic relationships remain in place despite their departure from ECOWAS.
The three countries also share development challenges with their West African neighbours, including poverty, limited economic opportunities, vulnerable economies and insecurity.
These interconnected challenges make regional coordination important, particularly in tackling cross-border terrorism, facilitating trade and addressing economic vulnerabilities.
What the ECOWAS-AES Talks Could Mean for West Africa
The Dakar meeting signals a willingness by both sides to explore practical cooperation despite their political differences.
Although the consultations do not amount to a reversal
