Dakar:The first formal negotiations between the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) began on Saturday in Dakar, Senegal. The discussions aim to establish a framework for balanced relations and to maintain human, social, and economic ties among West African populations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting includes ministerial delegations, foreign ministers, experts, and senior regional and international officials. Notable attendees are the ECOWAS Chief Mediator to the ESA, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the African Union Special Envoy for Mali and the Sahel, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel.
The opening ceremony was co-chaired by Karamoko Jean Marie Traor, Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the AES Confederation, and his Senegalese counterpart, representing ECOWAS. Minister Traor emphasized the importance of open, sincere discussions that prioritize the interests of populations in both regions.
Dr. Lansana Kouyat, ECOWAS Chief Mediator to the AES, likened the talks to a "palaver tree," symbolizing wisdom and responsibility. He urged both parties to approach the negotiations with rigor and open-mindedness to achieve lasting solutions that benefit West African populations.
Mamadou Tangara, the African Union's Special Envoy for Mali and the Sahel, praised the initiative as a sign of Africans' ability to solve their own issues. He expressed hope for ongoing dialogue to preserve regional unity. Similarly, Leonardo Simão, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, offered support for the initiative.
The negotiations aim to enhance communication, collaboration, and understanding between AES and ECOWAS on issues such as free movement of people and goods, infrastructure, development, peace and security cooperation, and legal and institutional matters. These initial discussions seek to explore cooperation avenues that reflect the interests of their populations.