ECOWAS-AES: In Dakar, the two blocs lay the groundwork for a framework agreement

On October 17, 2026, ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) held a first meeting in Dakar to lay the foundations for cooperation. The delegations were led by Cheikh Niang, Senegal’s foreign minister, and Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, Burkina Faso’s foreign minister. The two blocs agreed to establish joint thematic working groups to examine areas of common interest and prepare a balanced framework agreement. Their findings will be submitted to the ministers before the next session, whose date and venue will be set through diplomatic consultations.