By Our Reporter

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is leading the country’s delegation to the first round of discussions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in Dakar, Senegal.

The high-level diplomatic engagement, which commenced on Friday, October 16, 2026, is aimed at advancing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, preserve stability and protect the gains of regional integration across West Africa.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

According to the statement, the first round of discussions is designed to harmonise the strategic positions of ECOWAS member states and facilitate structured engagements with the AES at both ministerial and technical levels.

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The talks are expected to address shared regional concerns and establish a common framework for constructive dialogue between the two regional blocs.

At the conclusion of the current round of discussions, participants are expected to reach an understanding on the draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and AES member states.

The proposed agreement is expected to serve as a basis for further engagement ahead of the end-of-year summit scheduled to take place in Abuja in December 2026.

Nigeria, as a founding member of ECOWAS, has continued to emphasise the importance of regional integration, peace, security and diplomatic cooperation among West African countries.

The presence of Ambassador Enikanolaiye at the Dakar meeting underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that the withdrawal of AES member states from ECOWAS does not undermine longstanding cultural, geographical, economic and historical ties among countries in the subregion.

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The engagement represents an important diplomatic opportunity to sustain communication, address common challenges and explore areas of cooperation despite the political differences that have emerged between ECOWAS and the Sahel bloc.

As discussions continue, the anticipated framework agreement could provide a platform for managing relations between the two groups and preserving shared regional interests in the months ahead.