From Premium Times Nigeria · Yakubu Mohammed · · 2m
Sahel Nations Resume ECOWAS Talks After Withdrawal
Sahel countries return to ECOWAS talks after leaving regional bloc.
In brief
Sahel countries return to ECOWAS talks after leaving regional bloc. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have resumed formal talks with ECOWAS to establish cooperation despite their withdrawal from the regional bloc in January 2025. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Sahel nations withdraw from ECOWAS
Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali officially left ECOWAS in January 2025 after forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
ECOWAS and AES resume talks
The three Sahel countries have resumed formal discussions with ECOWAS to establish a framework for cooperation.
Joint statement on principles
Both sides welcomed the discussions, citing fraternity, mutual respect, and openness as guiding principles.
Sahel security challenges
Armed groups continue attacks across the Sahel, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups active.
Mali security incident
In Mali, coordinated attacks on April 25 targeted multiple locations, killing the Defence Minister, Sadio Camara.
Regional security threats
Nigeria faces overlapping security threats including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgencies.
AES countries' security shift
The AES countries have pursued independent security and political courses, distancing themselves from France and strengthening ties with Russia.
Diplomatic disputes
Sahelian leaders allege neighboring countries and foreign powers support armed groups, though these claims remain contested.
Joint working groups
The parties agreed to establish joint thematic working groups to develop a framework cooperation agreement.
Ministerial-level engagement
Saturday’s meeting in Dakar is believed to be the first official ministerial-level engagement between the two sides since January 2025.
ECOWAS navigation challenge
It is unclear whether the renewed talks involve AES states returning to ECOWAS, complicating regional cooperation.
Regional security implications
With armed groups operating across borders, strained relations risk weakening intelligence-sharing and joint counterterrorism operations.
Niger's withdrawal from task force
Niger withdrew from the Multinational Joint Task Force in March 2025, signaling collapsed regional cooperation.
What to remember
Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have resumed formal talks with ECOWAS to establish cooperation despite their withdrawal from the regional bloc in January 2025.
