Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, speaking in Abidjan on Monday, called for the resumption of talks between the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), emphasising that such dialogue would be “a very good thing for the peoples” of the sub-regional bloc.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger left Ecowas to found the AES on September 16, 2023.

"Obviously, due to this politically fraught situation, the economic situation in the sub-region is not very favorable. We believe that peace, security in the sub-region, and the fight against maritime piracy must be priorities," Ouattara stated in remarks to the press after a meeting with Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who was on a 24-hour official visit to Cote d'Ivoire.

Cote d'Ivoire has always shown openness and insists on maintaining cooperation with AES countries in all areas, Ouattara added, assuring that his country would do everything to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

According to the Ivorian president, his Sierra Leonean counterpart, who is also the current chairman of Ecowas, shares his ambition to rekindle dialogue with the member countries of the AES to ensure Ecowas's survival.

"We will work together to ensure the security of our AES brothers. They are our brothers, and we will not let them leave. I will speak with them to assure them that we have no other intention than to ensure their countries are at peace and that they return home," he emphasised.

The Sierra Leonean president, in his capacity as the current chairman of Ecowas, is touring member states of the community to gather the views and recommendations of heads of state before meeting with leaders from the AES.