Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is leading the country’s delegation to the first round of discussions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in Dakar, Senegal.
The high-level meeting, which commenced on Friday, October 16, 2026, is aimed at strengthening diplomatic engagement, restoring regional cohesion and preserving the gains of regional integration amid evolving relations between ECOWAS and the AES member states.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the discussions would focus on harmonising the strategic positions of ECOWAS member states ahead of structured engagements with the AES at ministerial and technical levels.
The talks are expected to address shared regional concerns and establish a common framework for sustained cooperation between the two regional blocs.
According to the statement, the first round of discussions is expected to produce agreement on a draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and AES member states.
The proposed agreement would be considered ahead of the forthcoming ECOWAS summit scheduled to hold in Abuja in December 2026.
Nigeria’s participation in the engagement underscores its commitment to regional integration, peace and security, as well as the promotion of diplomatic solutions to regional challenges.
The ministry said Nigeria, as a founding member of ECOWAS, remained determined to ensure that the withdrawal of the AES member states did not undermine the longstanding cultural, historical and geographical ties among West African countries.
The engagement is part of broader diplomatic efforts to sustain dialogue and cooperation across the region despite differences between ECOWAS and the Sahel bloc.
The AES comprises Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025.
Nigeria’s involvement in the discussions reflects its interest in maintaining regional stability and ensuring that political differences do not erode decades of cooperation among West African nations.
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