Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has said he had “done everything possible” to bring the Sahel countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger back into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reflecting the broader tensions within the region as countries seek greater autonomy and new alliances in the face of growing instability.
Faye expressed frustration in a candid interview, acknowledging the sovereignty of these nations while emphasizing that Senegal had done all it could to encourage dialogue and reintegration.
“I pleaded for people to come together around a table and talk, to preserve the chances of maintaining a strong subregional organisation,” Faye told local media during a marathon four-hour interview.
“But the fact remains that these countries, like others, are sovereign. They are free to make their own choices.
“All we owe them is to respect their will, knowing that we have done everything possible to reintegrate them” into ECOWAS, he said.
As for the new relationship between Senegal and former colonial power France, Faye insisted that Paris “remains an important partner for Senegal on all levels”.
In July last year, Faye was appointed by ECOWAS as a mediator towards the three Sahel countries now led by juntas which seized power in recent coups.
His remarks come as Senegal itself begins reevaluating its relationship with France, including plans for the withdrawal of French troops from its territory.
Despite Faye’s efforts, the trio, the breakaway countries have formed their own Alliance of Sahel States (AES), turning away from former colonial power France and pivoting towards Russia.
