ECOWAS APPOINTS H.E. DR LANSANA KOUYATÉ AS CHIEF NEGOTIATOR TO LEAD NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE COUNTRIES OF THE SAHEL STATES ALLIANCE (AES)

On 23 March 2026, 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 President 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.

As Chief Negotiator, Mr Kouyaté will lead the ECOWAS delegation in its discussions with the ESA member states. His role will primarily consist of facilitating dialogue, reconciling diverse regional interests and advancing ECOWAS’s strategic priorities in accordance with the approved mandate.