On October 17, 2026, delegations from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened in Dakar to initiate a dialogue on cooperation. The meeting, which included representatives from the United Nations and the African Union, aimed to address common concerns while respecting the sovereignty of member states. Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mossa Ag Attaher, attended the opening ceremony.
The talks followed preparatory consultations held in Ouagadougou on October 14 and 16. The discussions focused on security, population mobility, cross-border trade, and addressing shared concerns. The parties emphasized the need for cooperation based on mutual respect, recognition of each organization's specificities, and the sovereignty of their member states. The meeting highlighted the historical, cultural, and economic ties that unite West African populations.
The dialogue acknowledged the intensity of exchanges between regional countries, including cross-border trade, transhumance, and population mobility. Security, free movement of persons, economic development, and access to humanitarian assistance were among the key issues addressed. The parties recognized the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue to better address their respective concerns and seek concerted responses.
Representatives from the United Nations and the African Union expressed their willingness to support this dynamic, based on the expectations and needs formulated by the parties. The meeting marked a new stage in AES-ECOWAS relations, opening up prospects for cooperation adapted to the realities of the sub-region. The parties emphasized the need to preserve relations between populations and address shared challenges.
The talks also underscored the importance of maintaining human and economic exchanges that structure the West African space. Security, population well-being, and development remain at the center of expectations related to this dialogue. The next steps will measure the ability of the two organizations to transform this willingness into concrete cooperation mechanisms that respect the interests of each party and the aspirations of sub-regional populations.
The meeting's outcome will be crucial in determining the future of cooperation between AES and ECOWAS. The parties must now work towards establishing a framework for cooperation that addresses the concerns of all member states. This will require compromise and a commitment to finding mutually beneficial solutions.
As the dialogue continues, stakeholders will be watching closely for signs of progress. The success of this cooperation will depend on the ability of AES and ECOWAS to build trust and work towards common goals. The people of West Africa are eagerly awaiting tangible results from this renewed cooperation.
Key points
- AES and ECOWAS representatives met in Dakar to discuss cooperation on security, trade, and mobility.
- The dialogue aimed to address common concerns while respecting the sovereignty of member states.
- The meeting marked a new stage in AES-ECOWAS relations, with a focus on cooperation adapted to the realities of the sub-region.
