Mali has called for the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) to be fully considered in the strategic review of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The request was made during talks between Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, Reconciliation Minister Ismaël Wagué and a delegation led by former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, who is overseeing the independent review. Bamako wants the UN to adapt its regional approach to the changing political and security landscape and recognize the AES as an emerging regional bloc.
The call comes after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger left ECOWAS in January 2025 and strengthened their cooperation through the AES. Bamako also urged greater UN support for its national peace and reconciliation process and better coordination of UN agencies operating in Mali. The strategic review of UNOWAS is expected to be submitted by September 30, 2026, after which the UN Secretary-General and Security Council will consider recommendations on the organization’s future role in the region.
