ECOWAS, Burkina Faso, Malu, Niger move to mend broken ties
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The proposed framework is expected to provide a basis for cooperation on shared challenges, particularly security and trade, despite the political differences between the two sides.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have agreed to establish joint working groups to develop a framework for future cooperation.
The agreement aims to protect cross-border trade, improve security cooperation and strengthen other regional ties that have been affected by the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday, October 17, as both sides seek to reduce tensions following the three Sahel countries’ exit from the regional bloc.
The meeting marked the first ministerial session of the ECOWAS-AES Dialogue on Cooperation.
Both sides agreed to begin technical discussions to develop a cooperation framework that would protect their respective interests and guide future relations.
The discussions represent a renewed effort to improve relations between ECOWAS and the three Sahel countries, which withdrew from the regional organisation following political disagreements.
The proposed framework is expected to provide a basis for cooperation on shared challenges, particularly security and trade, despite the political differences between the two sides.