• 24 May, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

ECOWAS and Sahel Alliance Begin Formal Talks on Withdrawal and Security.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—have initiated formal discussions concerning the full withdrawal of the three military-led countries from the regional bloc.

This development followed a significant meeting on May 22, 2025, in Bamako, Mali, where ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray met with the foreign ministers of the AES countries. The gathering marked the start of structured negotiations, months after the three nations announced plans to exit ECOWAS.

According to a statement from Joel Ahofodji, Director of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, the meeting laid the groundwork for broader talks on political, legal, diplomatic, security, administrative, economic, and social concerns related to the withdrawal.

Both parties agreed on a summary document to guide ongoing negotiations. They also stressed the importance of maintaining regional integration efforts, such as the free movement of people and goods, until new agreements are reached.

Amid growing insecurity in the Sahel, both sides acknowledged the need for collaborative strategies to fight terrorism and stabilize the region.

The discussions were described as cooperative and respectful, with a shared commitment to the welfare of West African populations.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had previously announced their exit from ECOWAS in response to sanctions imposed after military coups in each country. Their formal notification in January 2025 initiated a one-year withdrawal process under ECOWAS rules.

ECOWAS recognized the departure on January 29, 2025, while agreeing to maintain temporary arrangements during the transition. These include continued recognition of ECOWAS travel documents and temporary trade under existing liberalization policies.

The Bamako meeting represents the beginning of what is expected to be a detailed and complex negotiation process with significant implications for diplomacy, trade, and regional security in West Africa.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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