Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is visiting Mali this July 28, 2026, for talks with Malian leader Assimi Goïta, combining his roles as Senegal’s President and the current Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The visit marks Faye’s first trip to Mali since assuming the ECOWAS leadership on July 19, 2026, and his second visit to the country as Senegal’s president. His discussions with Goïta are expected to focus on rebuilding relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which announced plans to leave the regional bloc.
Faye previously visited Bamako on May 30, 2026, shortly after his inauguration, where he advocated for dialogue and the return of the Sahel countries to ECOWAS.
The talks will also address economic cooperation between Senegal and Mali, with the Dakar-Bamako corridor remaining a key supply route for Mali despite disruptions caused by insecurity and attacks on freight convoys.