Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria is leading efforts to rebuild relations between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as the two blocs began talks aimed at restoring regional cooperation.
Join our WhatsApp Channel
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is leading the country’s delegation to the first round of discussions in Dakar, Senegal, which began on Friday, October 16, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
READ ALSO :
West Africa’s Security Architecture Fractures as Nigeria, AES Pursue Separate Paths
The talks are intended to align the positions of ECOWAS member states and facilitate structured negotiations with the AES at ministerial and technical levels on issues of shared regional concern, the ministry said.
The discussions are expected to result in agreement on a draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and the AES countries ahead of an end-of-year summit scheduled to take place in Abuja in December.
The ministry described the Dakar meeting as the first round of discussions.
The AES comprises Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, whose withdrawal from ECOWAS took effect on January 29, 2025, following prolonged tensions with the regional bloc over military rule, political transitions and sanctions.
The three countries have since established a separate confederation and strengthened security ties with Russia.
Nigeria, a founding member of ECOWAS, said its participation in the talks reflected its commitment to regional integration, peace and security.
The ministry said Nigeria was determined to ensure that the three countries’ withdrawal did not undermine longstanding cultural and geographical ties among West African nations.
READ MORE :
Junta-led Sahel States Rule Out Return To ECOWAS, Form New Confederation
The negotiations come as the region faces persistent security threats and economic challenges, underscoring the importance of cooperation on cross-border security, trade and the movement of people.
The proposed framework could provide a basis for structured engagement between ECOWAS and the AES, although the immediate objective is to establish common ground rather than secure the three countries’ return to the regional bloc.
Further progress is expected ahead of the ECOWAS summit scheduled for Abuja in December.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
