Representatives from the two regional blocs met in Dakar to establish a framework for future cooperation and foster stronger ties across West Africa.
The Economic Community of West African States and the Alliance of Sahel States held an inaugural ministerial session in Dakar on 17 October 2026. This meeting aimed to build on previous consultations from May 2025 to create a balanced cooperation framework. The delegation heads, Cheikh Niang and Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, jointly chaired the session to address regional interests.
Both parties agreed to form joint thematic working groups to conduct technical consultations. These groups will develop a comprehensive Cooperation Framework Agreement for ministerial review. The discussions emphasized principles of sovereignty, mutual respect, and the welfare of West African citizens, reflecting the deep historical and economic bonds shared by the nations involved.
The dialogue is considered a milestone for maintaining regional cooperation amid ongoing political and security developments. A joint communiqué was adopted in English, French, and Portuguese to formalize the commitment to future relations. This initiative seeks to safeguard the interests of their respective populations through practical and structured engagement.
Why it mattersThe dialogue directly affects citizens of West African nations by establishing a new framework for regional cooperation that aims to safeguard their collective interests.
Read in the ASJ desk →