Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has arrived in Mali for talks with junta leader Assimi Goïta, in a bid to ease regional tensions and explore ways to restore dialogue between Bamako and ECOWAS.
The visit comes as Mali remains diplomatically isolated after withdrawing from the regional bloc in 2022. Officials say the talks will focus on security cooperation, the humanitarian situation and the possibility of a phased return to constitutional order.
Faye’s trip is being seen as a test of his administration’s willingness to engage with military governments in the region, even as Senegal positions itself as a stabilising force in West Africa. Officials say the talks will focus on security cooperation, the humanitarian situation and the possibility of a phased return to constitutional order in Mali.
The Senegalese president has previously called for dialogue and de-escalation in the Sahel, arguing that isolation and sanctions have not produced the desired results. His government has also sought to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries, including Mauritania and Guinea, as part of a broader push for regional stability.
In Mali, the junta has faced mounting pressure from armed groups and local communities, with attacks on civilians and security forces continuing across the centre and north of the country. Goïta has promised elections but has not set a firm date, citing security concerns and the need for institutional reforms.
Analysts say the meeting could open a channel for quiet diplomacy, but any breakthrough will depend on whether the junta is willing to make concrete concessions on the transition timeline.
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