Sahel states restart dialogue with ECOWAS

Three junta-ruled Sahel states have resumed dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after quitting the bloc over 18 months ago. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS in January 2025 after forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Saturday marked their first official ministerial meeting, where both sides agreed to set up joint thematic working groups to reach a framework cooperation agreement. A joint statement welcomed the spirit of fraternity, mutual respect, and openness, stressing good neighbourliness and respect for sovereignty.

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