Nigeria and Mali have engaged in bilateral discussions on security challenges in the Sahel and West Africa, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening relations and regional cooperation. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York. Nigeria's delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while Mali's delegation was led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop.
The meeting provided a platform for both countries to hold political consultations and exchange views on security developments in Mali, the Sahel, and the wider West African region. According to a statement by the minister's media aide, Magnus Eze, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria's longstanding ties with Mali and emphasized Nigeria's interest in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Sahel. She noted that the region's security challenges required sustained cooperation among neighboring countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu identified terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, human trafficking, proliferation of small arms, and illicit financial flows as cross-border challenges requiring stronger regional mechanisms. She stressed the importance of African ownership in addressing the continent's peace and security challenges and encouraged continued dialogue among Mali, West African countries, and regional institutions.
The discussions also covered Mali's evolving relationship with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the political dynamics of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), African Union peace and security mechanisms, as well as bilateral trade, economic, and energy cooperation. Other areas discussed included regional integration, mobility, and people-to-people contacts.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria's readiness to maintain constructive bilateral consultations with Mali and expressed interest in continued multilateral cooperation, including mutual support for diplomatic candidatures. The meeting came against the backdrop of efforts by Nigeria to strengthen regional dialogue, peace, security, and integration.
In July 2026, Nigeria and Mali agreed to revitalize their Joint Commission, with security, trade, energy, irregular migration, human trafficking, and the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) identified as priority areas for cooperation. This move aims to strengthen bilateral relations and address common challenges facing both countries.
The bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Mali demonstrates the commitment of both countries to addressing regional security challenges and promoting cooperation. The discussions at UNGA 81 reflect the shared interests of Nigeria and Mali in maintaining peace and stability in the Sahel and West Africa.
Key points
- Nigeria and Mali have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
- The discussions covered security challenges in the Sahel, regional integration, and bilateral cooperation.
- Nigeria and Mali agreed to revitalize their Joint Commission in July 2026 to address common challenges.
