By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria is leading a fresh diplomatic push to strengthen regional cooperation as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) begin discussions in Dakar, Senegal.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the first round of discussions, which commenced on Friday, October 16, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the meeting is aimed at aligning the strategic positions of ECOWAS member states and preparing for structured engagements with the AES at ministerial and technical levels.
The discussions are expected to produce an agreed draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and AES member states ahead of the regional bloc’s end-of-year summit scheduled to hold in Abuja in December 2026.
The ministry described the meeting as a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore regional cohesion and preserve the gains of regional integration.
It said Nigeria, as a founding member of ECOWAS, remained committed to regional integration, peace and security.
Enikanolaiye’s participation, the statement added, underscored Nigeria’s determination to ensure that the withdrawal of AES member states does not undermine the longstanding cultural and geographical ties among West African countries.
