AU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR MALI AND THE SAHEL VISITS ECOWAS COMMISSION

The African Union Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel and Head of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), Mamadou Tangara, paid a courtesy visit to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, on Friday, 6 March 2026, at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

The visit aimed at deepen collaboration between the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in addressing regional security challenges, strengthening political dialogue, and advancing sustainable development across the Sahel and West Africa.

During the meeting, Dr. Touray, expressed his appreciation for the continued partnership between ECOWAS and the African Union, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to enhancing institutional cooperation and coordination with the African Union in promoting peace, security, and democratic governance throughout the region.

Dr. Touray highlighted the importance of strengthened regional and continental solidarity in responding to the various challenges in parts of the Sahel and West Africa. He noted that effective collaboration among African institutions and Member States remains essential to addressing shared challenges, humanitarian concerns, and the need to accelerate socio-economic development.

For his part, Dr. Tangara conveyed the African Union’s appreciation for ECOWAS’ longstanding leadership and role in promoting regional stability and integration. He underscored the importance of maintaining close coordination between continental and regional mechanisms in support of peacebuilding, and development initiatives across the Sahel.

They also explored avenues for reinforcing cooperation in areas such as good governance, regional integration, and the promotion of economic resilience.

Both leaders emphasized the need for sustained engagement with Member States and international partners to support efforts aimed at restoring stability and fostering inclusive development across the regions.

The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between the African Union and ECOWAS, in line with the broader objectives of African integration and the collective aspiration for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across the continent.