President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye has visited Mali, where he was expected to hold discussions with its transitional head Assimi Goïta, an event that should be considered a very important diplomatic move between two neighbouring West African countries.
Senegal President visits Mali, This is happening against the backdrop of growing insecurity and changing alliances in the region and is aimed at improving relations between the countries regarding their security cooperation, freight transit, and other aspects of their relations despite the political transition of Mali to a military regime.
Security Cooperation Is Top of the Agenda
One of the most important matters is the problem of increasing security in the Sahel.
The situation in Mali has been getting worse because for several years the country has been dealing with terrorist and jihadist groups which are associated with such international terrorist organisations as al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
This year, Mali declared increased military cooperation with Burkina Faso and Niger in the form of joint aerial missions conducted by the countries’ militaries against the militant groups active in the border regions of the states in question within the framework of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Despite being largely untouched by the violence afflicting the central part of the Sahel region, Senegal has its own vested interest in ensuring that the conflict does not spread to West Africa’s coast. Therefore, increased intelligence cooperation and regional security coordination are likely to be among the issues discussed.
Transportation Corridors under Threat
The economy is another important topic of discussion.
As a landlocked state, Mali depends greatly on access to the port of Dakar in Senegal, as it needs to import various products.
Recently, however, jihadist attacks on the vital transportation corridors have made freight transport more difficult, increasing the time and the price of deliveries.
Ensuring security and continuous transit of goods from Dakar to Bamako will likely be among the priorities of the two states.
An Important Diplomatic Contact
In addition to being significant for the visit itself, the meeting is also important in that it marks ongoing diplomatic contact between the two nations despite the fact that Mali is under military rule at present.
Since taking control in the military coup of 2021, Assimi Goïta has been ruling the nation of Mali. The relationship between Mali and several other West African nations has become strained due to the coup and especially in the dispute over the ECOWAS.
President Faye appears to be interested in having conversations with the regional leaders, and the meeting is seen by many as a chance to build greater cooperation, which will promote stability in the region.
What Makes These Talks Important for West Africa? – Senegal President visits Mali
The talks may also carry a wider significance than just their bilateral importance.
Greater security cooperation may assist in resolving the issue of militancy across the border, and better transport connections will facilitate trade flows in the region.
The talk itself is yet another example of the diplomatic contacts which the leaders of the region are maintaining despite the political differences and the changing dynamics within the regional organizations.
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