Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Resume Talks With ECOWAS: 5 Things to Know
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have resumed formal talks with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), nearly two years after leaving the regional bloc. The two sides have agreed to establish joint working groups to develop a framework for future cooperation.
The agreement followed a ministerial meeting in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The talks offer an opportunity to improve relations between ECOWAS and the three Sahel countries, which formed their own regional alliance after disagreements with the bloc.
However, the meeting does not mean the countries have agreed to return to ECOWAS.
Here are five things to know about the renewed talks and what they could mean for West Africa.
1. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger left ECOWAS in 2025
The three countries officially withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, following a prolonged dispute with the organisation.
Tensions grew after military coups brought new governments to power in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. ECOWAS opposed the military takeovers and imposed sanctions and other measures to pressure the authorities to restore constitutional rule.
The military-led governments criticised the bloc’s approach, describing its actions as interference in their domestic affairs.
They also accused ECOWAS of failing to support their fight against insecurity.
The three countries subsequently strengthened their partnership through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which was established in September 2023.
Their withdrawal created a major divide in West Africa, raising questions about regional security, trade and cooperation.
2. The talks do not mean the countries are returning
The October 17 meeting marks an important step towards improving relations between ECOWAS and the AES countries.
According to Premium Times, it was the first official ministerial-level engagement between the two sides since the withdrawal, although discussions had continued through diplomatic channels.
Both parties agreed to establish joint thematic working groups to develop a framework cooperation agreement.
These groups will provide a platform for discussing areas of mutual interest and finding ways to manage relations despite their political differences.
However, the agreement focuses on establishing a framework for cooperation. It does not confirm that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger intend to rejoin ECOWAS.
The outcome of the working groups will help determine the next steps in their relationship.
3. Insecurity remains a major concern
Security is one of the biggest challenges facing the Sahel region.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have battled armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State for more than a decade.
The violence has also raised concerns in neighbouring coastal countries, including Benin and Togo, as armed groups threaten to expand their activities southwards.
Cooperation between ECOWAS and the AES countries could help address shared security threats.
The countries need effective border controls, intelligence-sharing and coordinated responses to armed attacks. However, political tensions have complicated cooperation between them.
Niger’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force in March 2025 also highlighted the challenges facing regional security arrangements.
Whether the renewed dialogue will lead to stronger cooperation against armed groups remains to be seen.
4. Trade and cross-border movement could benefit
The withdrawal of the three countries has also raised concerns about trade and the movement of people across West Africa.
Businesses and communities in the region depend on cross-border connections to transport goods, access markets and maintain economic relationships.
Any breakdown in cooperation can complicate these activities, particularly for traders and people living near national borders.
The proposed framework could give ECOWAS and the AES countries an opportunity to address practical issues affecting trade, transport and movement between their territories.
However, the latest agreement does not automatically introduce new trade arrangements or change existing border procedures.
The joint working groups must first develop proposals for consideration by both sides.
5. What happens next?
The immediate next step is for the joint working groups to develop proposals for a cooperation agreement.
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Traore, led the AES delegation, while Senegal’s Foreign Minister, Cheikh Niang, headed the ECOWAS team.
Following the meeting, both sides expressed support for dialogue based on mutual respect, openness, good neighbourliness and respect for national sovereignty.
The working groups are expected to submit their findings to ministers before another ministerial meeting.
Their recommendations could help establish a more structured relationship between the two regional organisations.
For now, the talks signal a willingness to keep diplomatic channels open despite the political differences that led to the withdrawal.
The main test will be whether the discussions produce practical agreements on security, trade and cross-border movement.
For West Africa, improved cooperation could help address shared challenges even if the three Sahel countries remain outside ECOWAS.