Three military-led Sahelian countries have resumed dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), more than 18 months after leaving the regional bloc, with both sides agreeing to work towards a cooperation “framework agreement”.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which have been under military rule since coups between 2020 and 2023, withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025. The three countries subsequently formed their own regional organisation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Discussions between ECOWAS and the AES have continued since January 2025, but Saturday’s meeting marked their first official ministerial-level talks.
In a joint statement released on Saturday evening, both sides “welcomed the spirit of fraternity, mutual respect and openness” demonstrated during the discussions. They also emphasised the importance of maintaining relations of “good neighbourliness”, particularly with “respect for sovereignty”.
The two parties agreed to “set up joint thematic working groups (…) to reach a framework cooperation agreement”.
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, led the AES delegation, while Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang headed the ECOWAS team.
The three AES countries have severed ties with France, their former colonial power, and distanced themselves from several countries in the region, including Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, which they regard as being too closely aligned with Paris.
The countries have also strengthened their political ties with Moscow, promoting what they describe as an anti-imperialist and pro-sovereignty agenda. They have repeatedly criticised West African coastal states that maintain close relations with France.