As part of his mission to mediate between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) , the former Guinean Prime Minister, Lansana Kouyaté , was received in audience this Thursday, April 30, 2026, by the Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara .

A "good offices" mission for regional unity

Appointed mediator on March 25, Lansana Kouyaté is holding numerous consultations to defuse tensions within West Africa. This meeting at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan aimed to:

1. To foster a climate of mutual listening .
2. Strengthening regional solidarity in the face of attempts at rupture.
3. Identify ways to foster closer ties between the community organization and the Sahel countries.

"The discussions with President Ouattara were sincere and constructive. The objective remains to maintain channels of dialogue to preserve the integration of our region," Mr. Kouyaté said after the meeting.

Next step: The field

The mediator does not intend to limit himself to diplomatic circles. He has announced an imminent tour of the capitals of the ESA (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) to engage in direct discussions with the transitional authorities.

The core of the mission:

1. Objective: Stability and lasting peace in West Africa.
2. Method: Proximity diplomacy and understanding of the grievances of the ESA member countries.
3. Commitment: Reaffirming the importance of unity in the face of current security and political challenges.

This diplomatic offensive demonstrates ECOWAS's willingness to prioritize consultation to avoid a definitive fragmentation of the area.