In Dakar, ECOWAS and the AES Agree to Create Joint Groups to Prepare an Agreement

On October 17, 2026, ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) held the first session of their ministerial dialogue in Dakar, co-chaired by Cheikh Niang and Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré. Following the three Sahelian states’ withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2025, the parties agreed to set up joint thematic working groups to prepare a framework cooperation agreement. Their findings will be submitted to ministers before another session, whose date and venue have yet to be set. Talks are due to continue on October 18, and the delegations thanked Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for supporting regional integration.