CAPTAIN IBRAHIM TRAORÉ, GENERAL ASSIMI GOÏTA AND GENERAL TIANI’S SAHEL STATES RETURN TO TALKS WITH ECOWAS AFTER 18 MONTHS AND THE WHOLE CONTINENT IS WATCHING
On 17 October 2026 in Dakar, the Alliance of Sahel States held its first formal ministerial talks with ECOWAS since leaving the bloc in January 2025.
Both sides agreed to set up joint working groups toward a framework cooperation agreement, not a return to membership.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Assimi Goïta and General Abdourahamane Tiani lead states that chose sovereignty and self-reliance. ECOWAS is now led by Commission President General Birame Diop, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as Chairman.
Some Pan-Africanists urge caution. Their view is that ECOWAS does not share the Sahel’s dream.
They point to the sanctions and the threat of military action against Niger in 2023, to different priorities on sovereignty and security, and to concerns about outside influence on the bloc.
What can be done? Keep AES unity, put every commitment in writing, treat sovereignty as the red line, and focus on trade, free movement and security for ordinary people.
Strength or risk? Tell us what you think