The President of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has reaffirmed that consultations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are ongoing, as both regional blocs seek to establish a new framework for cooperation.
Speaking on Monday during the second anniversary of the AES, created on July 6, 2024 by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Traoré said future relations should be based on respect for the sovereignty of states, the preservation of regional integration gains and the free movement of people and goods across the subregion.
The renewed dialogue follows months of diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions after the withdrawal of the three Sahelian countries from ECOWAS.
Recent discussions in Lomé brought together representatives from both sides to explore areas of cooperation, including security, trade corridors and regional integration.
Meanwhile, AES experts are preparing a common position ahead of formal negotiations with ECOWAS, as signs of rapprochement also emerge from countries such as Senegal and Benin, pointing to a gradual shift toward renewed regional engagement.
