ECOWAS: Minister Diop reveals what the AES wants to preserve in its relations

Mali’s foreign minister, Abdoulaye Diop, said the AES seeks “harmonious and peaceful coexistence” with ECOWAS as two separate entities. He called for preserving regional residents’ existing privileges, free movement of people and goods, and cooperation rather than confrontation. Following the blocs’ first formal negotiations in Dakar on October 17, 2026, joint working groups are preparing a framework agreement for consideration at the ECOWAS summit in December. On security, Diop said trust must be rebuilt and countries need a shared understanding of the terrorist threat, which he described as driven by political and geopolitical factors.