ECOWAS AES Talks Open in Dakar on 17 October
The two sides agreed to joint working groups and an eight-point communique as they seek a balanced framework for trade, movement and security cooperation.
- On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Economic Community of West African States and the Alliance of Sahel States held their first formal negotiating session in Dakar, Senegal, marking the first direct talks since Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger exited the regional bloc.
- Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger departed ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, prompting diplomatic efforts to preserve regional security, trade, and cultural ties between the neighboring nations.
- Delegations signed an eight-point communiqué in Dakar, agreeing to establish joint thematic working groups addressing free movement, trade, and counter-terrorism to conclude a balanced framework cooperation agreement.
- Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, led the delegation seeking "concurrence on the draft General Framework Agreement," emphasizing Nigeria's commitment to maintaining regional cohesion.
- Expert-Level technical talks proceeded on Sunday, October 18, 2026, as both sides work to define new institutional arrangements, though officials have not yet scheduled the next ministerial meeting.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Alliance of Sahel States and ECOWAS agree to establish joint working groups
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed to establish joint working groups following the first official ministerial-level talks between the two organisations, held in Dakar on 17...
The first discussions between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) began in Senegal on Saturday, October 17, following the announcement of the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the organization on January 28, 2024. The two parties decided to open discussions on the modalities of future collaboration.
ECOWAS opens talks with 3 Russia-backed Sahel nations as Nigeria moves to repair Africa’s biggest political split
Nigeria has stepped forward to bridge West Africa’s primary political divide as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiated formal talks with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
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