Belgian foreign minister seeks to revive Sahel dialogue from Niger

In a diplomatic push to restore strained ties, Belgium’s top diplomat Maxime Prévot concluded a two-day visit to the Sahel region on August 28, 2026, with meetings in Niamey and Ouagadougou aimed at reopening channels of communication with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Diplomatic outreach in Niamey and Ouagadougou

Prévot’s itinerary included a pivotal meeting with Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine in Niamey on August 28, following a prior engagement with Burkina Faso’s transitional leader Ibrahim Traoré in Ouagadougou the day before. These discussions underscore Belgium’s intent to rebuild bridges with the AES bloc amid shifting regional alliances.

Rebuilding trust through dialogue

The Belgian Foreign Minister emphasized the need to restore cooperation with the AES countries despite differing political stances, advocating for dialogue rooted in mutual respect. He highlighted Belgium’s long-standing development partnerships in Niger, particularly in health, education and agropastoral initiatives, as foundations for renewed engagement.

With established diplomatic missions in both Niamey and Ouagadougou, Belgium is positioning itself to play a constructive role in the Sahel’s evolving security and governance landscape, balancing its historical ties with a forward-looking diplomatic strategy.