Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali have resumed formal ministerial-level talks with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), more than 18 months after withdrawing from the regional bloc.
The meeting, held in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, marked the first official ministerial-level engagement between ECOWAS and the three Sahelian countries since their withdrawal took effect in January 2025.
At the meeting, both sides agreed to establish joint working groups to develop a framework for future cooperation. In a joint statement, they welcomed the spirit of fraternity, mutual respect and openness that characterised the discussions.
The delegations also stressed the importance of maintaining good neighbourly relations, respecting national sovereignty and protecting the interests of people across West Africa.
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, led the delegation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), while Senegal’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Cheikh Niang, headed the ECOWAS delegation.
The three countries withdrew from ECOWAS following prolonged disagreements with the regional organisation over military rule, sanctions and demands for a return to constitutional government. They subsequently strengthened their alliance through the AES, distancing themselves from France while deepening relations with Russia.
Their departure raised concerns about regional security, cross-border trade and the movement of people and goods, particularly as the Sahel continues to face persistent militant violence.
The renewed dialogue is expected to provide a structured platform for addressing shared challenges and rebuilding cooperation between the two sides.
However, the agreement does not indicate that Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali intend to rejoin ECOWAS. Rather, it represents a step towards establishing a new framework for relations between the regional bloc and the three countries.
The joint working groups will undertake further discussions, with their findings to be presented to ministers at a subsequent meeting. No date has yet been announced for the next session.
