Senegal’s President Visits Mali to Discuss ECOWAS–Sahel Alliance Relations

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is set to visit Mali in his first trip as the rotating chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), seeking to revive dialogue between the regional bloc and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The visit comes as relations remain strained between ECOWAS and Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, following the three countries’ withdrawal from the bloc and the establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States earlier this year.

During his visit to Bamako, Faye is expected to hold talks with Mali’s transitional president, Colonel Assimi Goïta, focusing on prospects for renewed dialogue. Mediation efforts led by former Guinean Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté have been underway for several months but have yet to produce an agreement.

The trip marks Faye’s second visit to Mali since taking office, following his May 2024 visit, during which he urged the Sahel states to return to ECOWAS.

Economic cooperation is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions, as the Bamako–Dakar corridor remains one of Mali’s main trade and supply routes but has faced repeated security threats from attacks targeting commercial convoys in recent months.

Analysts say the visit could serve as a fresh test of efforts to rebuild trust between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States after months of political estrangement.

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