Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane has called for a return to dialogue and regional unity between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States( AES)
Speaking during an interview with Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB), Mr Sonko expressed regret over the growing rift between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The three Sahelian nations formalised their exit from ECOWAS in January, accusing the bloc of aligning too closely with foreign powers, particularly France. Since then, they have moved to strengthen their union, unveiling shared symbols such as a flag, anthem, and motto to assert their sovereignty.
Despite this separation, Sonko stressed that the region’s people remain interconnected through geography, history, and shared struggles.
The Prime Minister also criticised ECOWAS’s past responses to political upheavals, including sanctions on Mali and threats of military intervention in Niger following the 2023 coup.
On bilateral matters, he reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to working with Burkina Faso, highlighting over 20 signed cooperation agreements and 23 more under review. He emphasised that Burkina’s withdrawal from ECOWAS would not hinder collaboration.
He concluded by expressing hope for future reconciliation between ECOWAS and the AES bloc.
