Home coming: Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali resume talks with ECOWAS after 18 months

Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali have resumed discussions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), more than 18 months after withdrawing from the regional organisation.

According to TheCable, representatives of the three military-led nations met ECOWAS officials on Saturday, agreeing to establish joint working groups to develop a framework for future cooperation.

The countries formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 after establishing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), following military coups and disagreements with the regional bloc.

Although discussions had continued since their withdrawal, Saturday’s meeting marked the first official ministerial-level engagement between both sides.

In a joint statement, the delegations welcomed the “spirit of fraternity, mutual respect and openness” demonstrated during negotiations.

Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, led the AES delegation, while Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang represented ECOWAS.

The three countries have increasingly distanced themselves from France while strengthening diplomatic ties with Russia.

The renewed talks signal efforts to improve regional relations, although no agreement on returning to ECOWAS has been announced.