Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has urged a return to dialogue and regional unity between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), amid deepening political rifts in West Africa.
In an interview with Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB), Sonko expressed concern over the growing divide between ECOWAS and AES, a bloc formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their formal withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024. The Sahelian trio cited the bloc’s alleged alignment with foreign powers, particularly France, and have since strengthened their alliance with shared national symbols including a common flag, anthem, and motto.
Despite the political split, Sonko emphasized the enduring cultural and historical ties across the region “We are bound by geography and shared struggles. Political divergence should not erase our collective identity,” he said. He also criticized ECOWAS’s previous responses to military coups, particularly the economic sanctions on Mali and threats of intervention in Niger after the 2023 coup, suggesting such actions fueled regional instability rather than resolving crises.
On bilateral ties, Sonko reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to cooperation with Burkina Faso, highlighting over 20 active agreements and 23 under negotiation, stressing that Burkina’s exit from ECOWAS would not hinder collaboration between the two nations. The Prime Minister concluded with a call for future reconciliation, urging ECOWAS and AES to bridge political differences in the interest of regional peace, economic integration, and collective security.
