Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop has been tasked with leading technical discussions with ECOWAS following the AES bloc’s exit from the regional organisation.
The AES countries formalised this agreement on 26 January during the ministerial meeting of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), held in Ouagadougou. Representatives from each country explored various approaches to be presented to ECOWAS, including prioritising the interests of their populations.
The AES countries officially withdrew from ECOWAS on 29 January, reassuring citizens that several fundamental rights would be maintained.
ECOWAS passports and identity cards will remain valid, ensuring free movement, the right of residence, and establishment without a visa within the community area.