ECOWAS, AES agree to talks on trade, security after split

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) have agreed to establish joint working groups to negotiate a cooperation framework, in a move to preserve regional ties strained by the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the West African bloc.

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The agreement was reached on Saturday, October 17, in Dakar, Senegal, at the first ministerial meeting of the ECOWAS-AES Dialogue on Cooperation. It provides a formal channel for the two sides to discuss shared interests, including cross-border trade, security and the movement of people and goods.

The meeting marks a new stage in efforts to manage relations between ECOWAS and the three Sahel countries, which formally left the bloc on January 29, 2025, after prolonged disagreements over military rule, sanctions and demands for a return to constitutional government.

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According to multiple reports, in a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both sides said the working groups would examine areas of common interest and submit their findings to ministers for consideration ahead of the next session. The date and venue of the next meeting will be determined through diplomatic channels.

The parties said future relations would be guided by “good-neighbourliness, respect for sovereignty, dignity and the welfare of West African populations”. They also welcomed what they described as an atmosphere of “fraternity, mutual respect and openness” during the discussions.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.