The Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO) has adopted a firmer diplomatic stance toward the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). During the ordinary summit held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, regional leaders established a critical principle: no member state may pursue separate discussions with Mali, Burkina Faso, or Niger on foundational issues. This move aims to safeguard the unity of a West African bloc weakened since the three Sahelian nations officially withdrew in January 2025.
The decision to centralize negotiations reflects growing unease in Abuja. Since the AES’s formation as a confederation, several regional capitals have explored pragmatic arrangements with their Sahelian neighbors, particularly on free movement, security cooperation, and trade. By enforcing a unified approach, CEDEAO seeks to prevent the erosion of solidarity amid competing national interests.
Unified front to strengthen negotiating power
This collective strategy is rooted in leveraging the bloc’s combined weight. Facing an AES that champions sovereign autonomy and challenges regional oversight, CEDEAO relies on the aggregated influence of its remaining members to uphold decades of integration. The common external tariff, free movement of people, and preferential trade regimes are among the most critical files, as their dismantling could destabilize fifty years of regional progress.
Yet, this unified approach carries risks. By barring bilateral channels, CEDEAO risks prolonged deadlock if internal consensus proves unattainable. Coastal states, especially Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo, maintain deep economic and human ties with Sahelian capitals. Their logistical corridors support landlocked economies whose stability is vital to their own.
AES advances its independent path
On the opposing side, the Alliance of Sahel States continues building its institutional framework. A confederate passport system, efforts to establish a shared currency, and the announcement of a 5,000-strong joint force to combat jihadist groups reflect Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey’s commitment to creating a credible alternative bloc. Diplomatic outreach to Russia, Turkey, and Iran further underscores this geopolitical realignment reshaping West African power dynamics.
In this climate, CEDEAO’s position serves as both a red line and an olive branch. Leaders in Lungi reaffirmed their willingness to maintain structured dialogue with the AES on critical issues like mobility and cross-border trade. However, they insist this dialogue unfold on their terms—not those dictated by the Sahelian alliance.
Pending technical disputes
Several unresolved technical disputes demand immediate resolution. The fate of Sahelian nationals residing in CEDEAO territory, customs regimes for AES-origin goods, management of shared infrastructure like the Niger Basin Authority, and mutual recognition of diplomas are among the pressing issues where delays would swiftly penalize businesses and citizens alike.
No official negotiation timeline emerged from the summit. However, diplomats indicate a technical commission will be tasked with drafting engagement terms with Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey. Sierra Leone, holding the rotating presidency, will spearhead this unified stance in subsequent talks with Sahelian authorities.
A delicate political equation remains. Some member states, including Senegal under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, have advocated a more conciliatory approach toward the AES, arguing that isolating these regimes may prove counterproductive. The unity imposed in Lungi will now face the test of these divergent perspectives, or risk remaining an unfulfilled declaration.
