# Sahel Nations Resume ECOWAS Talks After Withdrawal

> Sahel countries return to ECOWAS talks after leaving regional bloc.
- Title: Sahel Nations Resume ECOWAS Talks After Withdrawal | Shortify
- Summary: Sahel countries return to ECOWAS talks after leaving regional bloc. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have resumed formal talks with ECOWAS to establish…
- Keywords: burkina faso, niger, mali, ecowas, alliance of sahel states, regional bloc, sahel security, ecowas talks, news, politics, Sahel, Nations
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/918145-burkina-faso-niger-mali-resume-talks-with-ecowas-after-withdrawal-from-regional-bloc.html
- Author: Yakubu Mohammed
- Published: 2026-10-18T21:41:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: burkina faso, niger, mali, ecowas, alliance of sahel states, regional bloc, sahel security, ecowas talks, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have resumed formal talks with ECOWAS to establish cooperation despite their withdrawal from the regional bloc in January 2025.