Nigeria leads ECOWAS talks with Sahel alliance in Senegal
Nigeria is leading efforts to strengthen regional cooperation as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) begins discussions with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) on resolving issues arising from their strained relations.
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.
The talks are aimed at aligning the positions of ECOWAS member states ahead of structured negotiations with the AES at ministerial and technical levels on shared regional concerns.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions are expected to secure agreement on a draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and AES member states ahead of the bloc’s summit scheduled for Abuja in December.
The ministry said the engagement marked “a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore regional cohesion and preserve the gains of regional integration.”
It added that the discussions would help prepare and align the strategic positions of ECOWAS member states for targeted negotiations with the Sahel alliance.
Nigeria, a founding member of ECOWAS, reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration, peace and security.
“The presence of the Honourable Minister of State underscores Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring that the exit of the AES member states does not negatively impact on the age-long cultural and geographical ties between brother West African countries,” the ministry said.
