Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stated on Friday that he had made every effort to reintegrate Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), but his attempts have been unsuccessful.
The three Sahel nations withdrew from ECOWAS at the start of the year, accusing the regional bloc of being overly influenced by France and ineffective in the fight against jihadism. These countries then formed their group, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), distancing themselves from their former colonial power and increasingly aligning with Russia.
Faye was appointed by ECOWAS in July of last year as a mediator to facilitate dialogue with the three countries, which are now led by military juntas following recent coups.
In a lengthy interview with local media, Faye explained that he had made significant efforts to bring the countries back into the fold but acknowledged their sovereignty and the need to respect their decisions.
“They are free to make their own choices,” Faye remarked, noting that Senegal and ECOWAS had done everything possible to encourage their return to the regional group.
Faye also addressed the evolving relationship between Senegal and France. Despite ongoing changes, he emphasised that France remains a crucial partner for Senegal across various sectors.
Senegal is negotiating the departure of French troops from its territory by the end of the year, a process that began with the return of several French military facilities in Dakar last month.
