Nigeria has stepped forward to bridge West Africa’s primary political divide as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiated formal talks with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
- Nigeria has taken the lead in bridging West Africa's main political divide by initiating talks between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
- Delegations from Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have gathered in Senegal to foster new ties and regional cohesion.
- The talks aim to align ECOWAS and Sahel states' positions ahead of the upcoming end-of-year summit in Abuja.
- A key goal of the dialogue is to reach agreement on a draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and AES member states.
Diplomats gather in Senegal as Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso explore new ties
Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, led the national delegation to Dakar, Senegal, to participate in the opening round of discussions aimed at restoring regional cohesion.
Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi announced that these talks are structured to align ECOWAS positions with the Sahel states ahead of the end-of-year summit in Abuja.
Adeniyi explained the objective of the negotiations, “It is expected that at the end of this round of engagement, there would be concurrence on the draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and AES Member States”.
He reiterated Nigeria's diplomatic stance, stating, “Nigeria, as a key founding member of ECOWAS, remains committed to the principles of regional integration, peace, and security”.
Adeniyi emphasized the importance of preserving regional relationships despite recent geopolitical shifts.
He added, “The presence of the Honourable Minister of State underscores Nigeria's dedication to ensuring that the exit of the AES member states does not negatively impact on the age-long cultural and geographical ties between brother West African countries”.
As reported by VON, the ongoing dialogue in Dakar serves as the foundation for maintaining security and economic cooperation across the region.