Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have resumed formal diplomatic discussions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), raising hopes for improved regional cooperation despite their withdrawal from the bloc.
The talks focused on developing a framework for cooperation between ECOWAS and the three Sahel countries, which formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after relations with the regional organisation deteriorated.
The three countries officially withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 following disagreements over political and security issues.
ECOWAS and AES Agree on Cooperation Framework
The meeting, held in Dakar, Senegal, marked a significant step towards rebuilding relations between the two sides. Although discussions had continued since January 2025, the engagement was reported to be their first formal ministerial-level meeting.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, both parties expressed support for continued dialogue based on mutual respect, openness, fraternity and good neighbourly relations. They also reaffirmed the importance of respecting national sovereignty.
Furthermore, the delegations agreed to establish joint thematic working groups to develop a framework cooperation agreement.
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Traore, led the AES delegation, while Senegal’s Foreign Minister, Cheikh Niang, headed the ECOWAS team.
However, the outcome of the discussions does not necessarily indicate that the three Sahel nations intend to rejoin ECOWAS.
Rising Insecurity Raises Concerns Across West Africa
The renewed diplomatic engagement comes as insecurity continues to threaten the Sahel and neighbouring West African countries.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have battled jihadist insurgencies for more than a decade. Armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have exploited weak state presence, porous borders and local grievances to expand their operations.
In Mali, coordinated attacks on April 25 targeted several locations. The violence involved Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, and the Azawad Liberation Front, a separatist movement. Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, was killed during the attacks.
Meanwhile, armed groups continue to attack security forces and civilians in Burkina Faso and Niger. The violence has also raised concerns about its spread towards coastal countries, particularly northern Benin and Togo.
Nigeria faces similar challenges, including attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), banditry and mass kidnappings.
These overlapping security threats make cooperation among West African countries increasingly important. Intelligence-sharing, effective border surveillance and coordinated military operations remain essential to tackling armed groups that operate across national boundaries.
Strained Relations Threaten Regional Security Cooperation
Despite their shared security challenges, political disagreements have complicated cooperation between Nigeria and the AES countries.
Niger’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force in March 2025 highlighted the difficulties facing regional security arrangements.
The AES governments have also pursued a more independent political and security policy, distancing themselves from France while strengthening relations with Russia.
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Consequently, their departure from ECOWAS has created additional obstacles to regional coordination at a time when armed groups continue to exploit cross-border weaknesses.
Diplomatic tensions have also been fuelled by allegations from some Sahelian leaders that neighbouring countries and foreign powers support armed groups operating in the region. However, such claims remain contested and require independently verifiable evidence.
Will Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Return to ECOWAS?
It remains unclear whether the renewed talks could eventually lead to the return of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to ECOWAS.
For now, the immediate focus appears to be establishing a practical framework that allows both sides to cooperate despite their political differences.
The development also presents a challenge for ECOWAS, which has traditionally promoted democratic governance and constitutional order among its member states.
The regional bloc must now balance its political principles with the need to maintain diplomatic engagement and strengthen collective responses to insecurity.
Ultimately, the success of the talks will depend on whether both sides can translate their commitments into concrete measures that improve security, facilitate cooperation and protect communities across West Africa.
