Ouagadougou: Experts from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) commenced a crucial four-day workshop in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, focusing on the development of a strategic framework document to guide future consultations between AES and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop gathers experts from the three AES member countries and is scheduled to run from June 23 to June 26, 2026. The primary aim is to establish common positions that will steer discussions with ECOWAS, considering the interests and priorities of the Confederation. During the opening session, the heads of delegations from the three ESA countries emphasized their dedication to ongoing dialogue with the West African organization, while underscoring the importance of respecting state sovereignty and safeguarding the strategic interests of their populations.
The delegations highlighted the initial official interactions between AES and ECOWAS, including a significant meeting between ESA foreign ministers and the president of the ECOWAS Commission. This meeting laid the groundwork for dialogue and identified the main themes for future consultations. Participants in the workshop are expected to identify and solidify priority areas for consultation and negotiation with ECOWAS, define the strategic interests of the ESA, and establish negotiation boundaries.
In addition, the experts are tasked with developing a unified strategic argument and validating a draft consensus framework document to serve as a reference for future discussions between the two organizations. The opening ceremony was led by Hermann Yirigouin To©, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, who expressed hope that the workshop would be characterized by fraternity, a commitment to the common good, and a recognition of historical responsibility.
To© urged that the deliberations reflect the sacrifices of the people and that the recommendations enhance the cohesion, credibility, and effectiveness of the Confederation. He expressed a desire for the workshop to culminate in a realistic document that aligns with the aspirations of the ESA populations. The Malian delegation is headed by Mahamane Amadou Maga, special envoy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Niger delegation is led by Al Assane Ousmane, technical advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad.