By Zainab Bakare
Nigeria has joined renewed diplomatic efforts to rebuild ties between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as regional leaders seek a common framework for cooperation following the withdrawal of three Sahel countries from the bloc.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the first round of ECOWAS-AES discussions in Dakar, Senegal, which began on Friday, October 16, 2026.
According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi the meeting is expected to align the positions of ECOWAS member states ahead of ministerial and technical-level negotiations with the AES on issues of mutual concern.
The discussions will also seek agreement on a draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and the AES member states ahead of a regional summit scheduled for Abuja in December.
The talks come amid efforts to sustain regional cooperation on peace, security and economic integration following the departure of the three Sahel countries from ECOWAS.
Nigeria, a founding member of the regional bloc, says it remains committed to preserving the longstanding cultural, geographical and historical ties among West African countries.
Enikanolaiye’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue and regional integration, with the ongoing discussions expected to shape future relations between ECOWAS and the AES.
