Key Takeaways
- ECOWAS has resumed official ministerial-level talks with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso after their withdrawal from the regional bloc.
- The two sides agreed to work towards a framework cooperation agreement.
- Joint thematic working groups are expected to help develop the proposed framework.
- Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore led the AES delegation, while Senegal’s Cheikh Niang headed the ECOWAS team.
- Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 and formed the Alliance of Sahel States.
- The renewed dialogue comes amid wider geopolitical tensions involving France and some West African neighbours.
- The report describes an agreement to work towards a framework, not a completed or signed final agreement.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the three military-led Sahel countries of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have resumed official talks, agreeing to work towards a framework for future cooperation more than 18 months after the countries withdrew from the regional bloc.
According to Naija News, the discussions took place on Saturday and marked the first official ministerial-level meeting between the two sides since their withdrawal, despite ongoing discussions since January 2025.
ECOWAS and Sahel States Agree on Cooperation Framework
The central outcome of the meeting was an agreement to develop a framework that could guide future relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the bloc formed by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
In a joint communiqué issued on Saturday evening, both sides described the atmosphere surrounding the discussions positively.
“spirit of fraternity, mutual respect and openness”
The communiqué highlighted the importance of maintaining cordial relations between neighbouring countries, with particular emphasis on respecting each other’s sovereignty.
The two sides also agreed to establish joint thematic working groups to develop the proposed framework cooperation agreement. The arrangement is intended to provide a basis for future engagement between the regional bloc and the three Sahel countries.
However, the reported outcome is an agreement to work towards a framework. The available report does not indicate that a final cooperation agreement was signed.
Who Led the ECOWAS and AES Delegations?
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, led the AES delegation at the meeting.
The ECOWAS delegation was headed by Senegal’s foreign minister, Cheikh Niang.
Their participation marked an important step in the formal engagement between the two sides following the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS.
Why Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso Left ECOWAS
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are governed by military juntas that took power between 2020 and 2023. The three countries formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 and subsequently operated through their own regional grouping, the Alliance of Sahel States.
Although discussions between ECOWAS and the AES have continued since January 2025, Saturday’s meeting was reported to be the first official ministerial-level session between them.
The renewed talks therefore represent a formal diplomatic engagement after a period of strained relations between the regional bloc and the three countries.
Wider Geopolitical Tensions in the Sahel
The diplomatic developments come against the background of changing alliances across the Sahel. The military governments in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have severed ties with France, their former colonial ruler, and have become increasingly distant from some neighbouring countries.
The source report identifies Côte d’Ivoire and Benin among the countries with which relations have become strained. The AES governments have accused these countries of being too close to Paris.
These tensions provide important context for the renewed discussions with ECOWAS. However, the reported meeting does not, by itself, establish that all political differences between the two sides have been resolved.
What Happens Next?
The next step is for the joint thematic working groups to develop the proposed framework cooperation agreement.
The process could provide a channel for continued engagement between ECOWAS and the AES countries, although the available report does not specify a timetable for completing the framework or detail its eventual terms.
For now, the key development is that both sides have agreed to continue working towards a structured basis for cooperation while emphasising neighbourly relations and respect for sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why have Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso resumed talks with ECOWAS?
The three countries have resumed official discussions with ECOWAS to work towards a framework that can guide future cooperation between the regional bloc and the Alliance of Sahel States.
2. What is the Alliance of Sahel States?
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is the regional grouping formed by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso after their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
3. When did the three countries leave ECOWAS?
According to the source report, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso formally exited ECOWAS in January 2025.
4. What was agreed at the meeting?
The two sides agreed to work towards a framework cooperation agreement and establish joint thematic working groups to develop it.
5. Who led the delegations?
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, led the AES delegation. Senegal’s foreign minister, Cheikh Niang, headed the ECOWAS delegation.
6. Does the agreement mean the two sides have resolved their differences?
Not necessarily. The talks represent renewed official engagement, but the available report does not establish that all political differences have been resolved or that a final agreement has been signed.
7. How do tensions with France relate to the talks?
The AES military governments have severed ties with France and have become distant from some neighbouring countries they accuse of maintaining close relations with Paris. This forms part of the wider geopolitical context surrounding the renewed dialogue.
8. What happens after the talks?
Joint thematic working groups are expected to work on the proposed cooperation framework. The source report does not specify a completion date or the final terms of the agreement.
