Senegalese President Faye Urges Mali to Reconsider ECOWAS Withdrawal in Diplomatic Visit

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his first official visit to Mali on May 30, 2024, where he met with Malian counterpart Colonel Assimi Goita to discuss Mali's decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The meeting aimed to address the potential consequences of Mali's withdrawal and explore avenues for continued cooperation within the regional bloc.

During the discussions, Faye acknowledged Mali's position but highlighted the importance of regional integration. He stated, "I spent a lot of time discussing it with the colonel... I understand the Malian position, which, although rigid, is not totally inflexible." Faye emphasized that the disintegration of ECOWAS would be a significant loss for regional cooperation.

Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024 following sanctions imposed by the bloc. The three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and are cooperating with non-Western countries such as Russia, Turkey, China, and the UAE on military and other issues.

Faye's visit to Mali is part of a broader effort to persuade the Sahelian countries to remain in ECOWAS. He also visited Burkina Faso's junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore in Ouagadougou, where they discussed the potential for dialogue. Faye noted, "I understand today that the positions are somewhat fixed, but I perceive in each of these positions a window of opening that allows us to establish a thread of dialogue."

Regional integration and cooperation are essential for addressing common challenges in West Africa, such as security, irregular migration, and human trafficking. If Mali and other Sahel states withdraw from ECOWAS, it could lead to a decline in regional stability and cooperation, with potential consequences for economic development and security in the region.

Faye expressed his commitment to strengthening regional integration and urged for collaboration to address common challenges such as security, irregular migration, and human trafficking. He stressed, "We cannot resign ourselves to watching a tool for integration that was formidable in its conception, in the results it has brought us and which has been held up as an example, disintegrate without doing anything."

The three Sahel states formally notified the ECOWAS Commission of their decisions to leave the bloc in written notices dated January 29, 2024. According to the treaty, they will remain bound by membership until one year from that date, providing a window for potential reconciliation.

Faye, elected as Senegal's president in March 2024, has made it a priority to persuade Mali and the other Sahel states to remain in ECOWAS. His efforts reflect a broader commitment to maintaining regional stability and cooperation in West Africa.

Faye's visit to Mali highlights the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing regional challenges. His efforts to persuade the Sahel states to remain in ECOWAS highlight the critical role of regional integration in promoting stability and development.

Key Takeaways

• Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met with Malian counterpart Colonel Assimi Goita to discuss Mali's ECOWAS withdrawal.
• Faye acknowledged Mali's position but emphasized the importance of regional integration.
• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their ECOWAS withdrawal in January 2024 following sanctions.
• Faye's visit aims to persuade Sahelian countries to remain in ECOWAS, citing regional stability and cooperation concerns.
• The three countries have a 1-year window to reconsider their decision before formal withdrawal.