ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have agreed on ground rules for life after the split.
At a foundational meeting of Ministers in Dakar, Senegal, the two blocs resolved to establish a framework for cooperation to govern diplomatic relations, economic ties, development, and other areas of mutual priority.
Thematic working groups will now hold technical consultations, with expert advice shaping the final framework. Both sides say the interests of their citizens should remain paramount.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, all under military-led governments, announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024, accusing the bloc of being influenced by foreign powers and failing to support their fight against terrorism. The three had already formed the AES confederation.
Their exit took effect in January 2025, leaving ECOWAS without three of its fifteen members and raising questions over trade, free movement and regional security.
Following the split, ECOWAS shifted its strategy from forcing the AES to return to the bloc to finding practical ways to coexist and to protect travel, trade and security for millions of citizens.
The Dakar dialogue, led by ECOWAS Council of Ministers chair Sheikh Niang and the AES steering committee chair Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, marked the first time both sides sat formally since the January 2025 split.
The agreement or framework aims to largely preserve visa-free movement and the flow of goods.