ECOWAS and Alliance of Sahel States to Collaborate on Regional Security

Strategic Insights -

In a move aimed at tackling security challenges in the West African region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have agreed to work together following consultations between the two bodies. This decision comes after the AES member states withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 to form their own body, citing grievances against the regional bloc. The collaboration between ECOWAS and AES marks a significant step towards addressing security concerns, particularly terrorism, in the region. The two parties have pledged to work together to create conditions for effective cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ECOWAS and AES have agreed to collaborate on regional security through consultations between the two bodies.
  • The AES member states withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025, citing grievances against the regional bloc, including a lack of attention to issues affecting AES countries.
  • The two parties have adopted a summary record of consultations for the launch of negotiations between AES Confederation and ECOWAS.
  • The parties have agreed to continue direct exchanges, guided by the interests of West African populations.
  • ECOWAS has left its doors open to AES countries to return to the fold, with efforts underway to convince the three AES member states to rejoin ECOWAS.
  • The collaboration aims to address security challenges, including terrorism, in the West African region.

Statistics:

  • May 22, 2025: Date of consultations between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the AES Confederation and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, in Bamako, Republic of Mali.
  • January 2025: Date of AES member states' withdrawal from ECOWAS.
  • 3: Number of AES member states that have not rejoined ECOWAS.
  • Unknown: Summary record of consultations adopted by the two parties.

Sources:

  • Joint statement released by ECOWAS and AES after consultations on May 22, 2025.
  • ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.
  • Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
  • AEC Confederation.
  • ECOWAS.