ECOWAS opens its first talks with the Sahel states that left it

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), formed by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, began talks in Dakar on Oct 17.

Why it matters

They are the first talks since the three countries announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS on Jan 28, 2024, and the aim is new relations, not a return to the bloc.

“We are here for a frank, sincere and objective debate, with the interests of the peoples of the AES Confederation and the ECOWAS area as our main guide,” said Burkina Faso's foreign minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré.

— Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, Burkina Faso's foreign minister

On the agenda

• Security and counterterrorism
• Free movement of people and goods
• Infrastructure
• Institutional co-operation

The talks cover security co-operation, especially against terrorism, the free movement of people and goods, infrastructure and institutional ties.