ECOWAS–AES: Dakar secures a first breakthrough as both sides agree on next steps

On October 17, 2026, in Dakar, ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) agreed to establish joint working groups to prepare a framework cooperation agreement. The talks were led by Cheikh Niang for ECOWAS and Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré for the AES, following consultations launched in Bamako in May 2025. Both organizations said cooperation should be based on good neighborly relations, respect for state sovereignty, dignity, and the well-being of West African populations. Discussions could cover free movement, trade, security, and cross-border cooperation, but the sides’ differences remain unresolved.