CSS Ministers Agree On Unified Strategy For ECOWAS Negotiations At Bamako Meeting

Bamako hosted a high-level ministerial meeting of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) on February 22-23, 2025.

The meeting, attended by key ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, focused on preparing for discussions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The delegations included top defence, foreign affairs, and development officials.

Burkina Faso was represented by Brigadier General Célestin Simporé, Minister of State for Defence and Veterans Affairs, alongside ministers of foreign affairs, infrastructure, and energy.

Niger’s delegation was led by Brigadier General Mohamed Toumba, Minister of State for the Interior and Public Security, with officials from foreign affairs and energy.

Mali’s representation included Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop and ministers of defence, security, transport, and finance.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2024, citing political and security differences. The CSS, formed in July 2024, has since emerged as an alternative framework for regional cooperation.

According to reports, the Bamako meeting aimed to strengthen integration efforts and develop a unified stance for future engagement with ECOWAS.

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated approach, concluding with adopting working documents to guide upcoming discussions while prioritising the interests of their populations.

The meeting highlighted security cooperation, with ministers commending joint military efforts against terrorism.

They noted improvements in regional security through enhanced coordination among defence forces. A tribute was paid to civilian and military victims of ongoing security challenges in the Sahel.

The officials also emphasised the need for high-level political coordination to advance CSS interests. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced sub-regional integration despite political challenges.

A key outcome of the meeting was the approval of a common strategy for negotiations with ECOWAS. The ministers emphasised the need to maintain fraternal ties with West African states while protecting CSS priorities.

The adopted working documents will serve as a basis for future talks, ensuring a unified position.

The meeting also reinforced commitments to facilitating free movement within CSS territories while maintaining cooperative relations with ECOWAS nations.

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