The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will form joint thematic working groups to preserve trade, travel and security ties after three countries left the bloc.
At an Oct. 17 ministerial meeting in Dakar, Senegal, the two sides agreed that the groups would identify common interests and develop terms for a cooperation framework, according to their joint communiqué. The agreement establishes a process for talks; the framework itself has yet to be completed.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally withdrew from ECOWAS on Jan. 29, 2025. Their departure left the organizations to determine how people and businesses would move and trade across borders while longer-term arrangements were discussed.
After the withdrawal, ECOWAS directed authorities to continue recognizing the three countries’ passports and identity cards bearing its logo and to allow visa-free movement. It also called for continued treatment of their goods and services under its Trade Liberalization Scheme and investment policy. ECOWAS said the interim measures were intended to prevent disruption for residents and businesses.
The Dakar meeting followed consultations in Bamako on May 22, 2025. In the joint communiqué, the organizations said future relations should respect sovereignty and take account of the welfare of West African populations.
Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye identified the movement of people and goods, security and terrorism as issues requiring regional cooperation. Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the country was taking steps to revive Joint Commissions between Nigeria and Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
The African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL) said Mamadou Tangara, the African Union Commission chairperson’s high representative for Mali and the Sahel, urged cooperation that improves daily life in border communities. The mission offered to facilitate future meetings and support the working groups.
Ministers will review the groups’ findings before another session. Its date and venue will be set after consultations through diplomatic channels, the communiqué said.
