By: Ishmael Bayoh, Information Attachè, Sierra Leone Embassy Dakar, Senegal

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has arrived in Dakar, Senegal, to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Structured Dialogue.

The meeting is expected to focus on establishing a new framework for regional cooperation between ECOWAS and the AES following the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the regional bloc on 29 January 2025.

The dialogue represents an opportunity for both sides to engage on issues of mutual interest and explore ways to maintain cooperation and strengthen relations amid changes in West Africa’s regional political and institutional landscape.

Sierra Leone’s participation underscores its engagement in regional diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting cooperation and addressing shared challenges across West Africa.