IPNEWS: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appointed H.E. Dr Lansana KOUYATÉ, former Prime Minister of Guinea and former Executive Secretary of ECOWAS, to the post of Chief Negotiator to lead discussions with the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, following their official withdrawal from ECOWAS.
This appointment, approved by the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State, was officially notified to the new ECOWAS Negotiator by H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
H.E. Dr Lansana KOUYATE has had a distinguished career in the civil service and diplomacy, as well as extensive experience in high-level negotiations and regional affairs. Through this appointment, ECOWAS is confident that his leadership will play a vital role in successfully navigating the complex discussions ahead and fostering constructive dialogue in the interests of regional stability and cooperation.
It may be recalled, in 2025, The Sahel countries of Burkina Faso
, Mali, and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, 2025.
This historic exit, often referred to as “Sahelexit,” followed a one-year notice period after the three nations—all currently under military rule—accused the bloc of failing to support them against jihadist insurgencies and being under the influence of foreign powers, specifically France.
The three nations have formed their own confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
To mark their independence, the AES launched a common biometric passport on the day of their exit, which excludes the ECOWAS logo.
The AES has agreed to create a 5,000-strong joint military force to combat terrorism independently of ECOWAS structures.
Despite the formal exit, ECOWAS has declared a transition period until July 29, 2025, during which it will continue to recognize ECOWAS-branded documents and allow visa-free movement and trade benefits in hopes of a potential return.
ECOWAS has lost over half of its geographical land area and approximately 76 million people (about 16% of its previous population).
Concerns have been raised regarding the fragmentation of regional counter-terrorism efforts and the loss of access for citizens to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, a key platform for human rights accountability.
As landlocked nations, the AES countries face potential disruptions to trade and increased food security risks, though they remain part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and continue to use the CFA franc for now.
As of March 2026, ECOWAS continues to scramble to rebuild ties and prevent further fragmentation of the bloc
