Niger: belgian foreign minister pushes for Sahel dialogue revival

The Belgian foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, concluded a two-day diplomatic mission in West Africa this week, with stops in Ouagadougou and Niamey aimed at reopening channels of communication with the Niger government and fellow members of the Alliance of Sahel States.

Arriving in Niamey on August 28, 2026, Prévot met with Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine to discuss ways of restoring cooperation despite recent political tensions. The visit followed a prior meeting in Burkina Faso the day before with Burkinabe leader Ibrahim Traoré, signaling a coordinated Belgian effort to engage with the region’s transitional governments.

During the discussions, Prévot emphasized Belgium’s commitment to rebuilding trust through respectful dialogue, even amid differing perspectives on governance and security. He highlighted the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with the Alliance of Sahel States to address shared challenges in the region.

Strengthening historical ties with the Niger

Belgium has maintained a long-standing partnership with Niger, particularly in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and agro-pastoral development. These collaborative efforts form the backbone of Belgium’s ongoing presence in the country, where it operates two diplomatic missions—one in Niamey and another in Ouagadougou.

Prévot’s visit underscores Belgium’s strategic interest in preserving stability across the Sahel, despite the shifting political landscape. By advocating for renewed diplomatic engagement, he seeks to ensure that Belgium remains a relevant partner in addressing the region’s evolving needs.