The issue of security in the Sahel and West Africa was at the top of the agenda during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Mali, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York.

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Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation to address shared regional challenges.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while Mali’s delegation was led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Abdoulaye Diop.

According to a statement by media aide to the Nigerian Minister, Magnus Eze, the meeting provided an opportunity for both nations to deepen direct political consultations and exchange views on security developments in Mali, the Sahel, and the wider West African region.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding historical bonds with Mali and emphasized Nigeria’s vested interest in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Sahel. She noted that the security issues confronting the region require sustained cooperation among neighboring countries. Highlighted threats included the cross-border nature of terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, human trafficking, small arms proliferation, and illicit financial flows, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regional mechanisms.

She also stressed the importance of African ownership in solving the continent’s peace and security challenges, while encouraging continued dialogue among Mali, West African states, and regional institutions.

The discussions encompassed a broad range of topics, including: The evolving relationship between Mali and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The political dynamics of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

African Union peace and security mechanisms.

Deepening bilateral trade, economic relations, and energy cooperation and Regional integration, mobility, and people-to-people contacts.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to maintain constructive bilateral consultations with Mali and expressed interest in continued multilateral cooperation, including mutual support for diplomatic candidatures.

This engagement comes amid ongoing efforts by Nigeria to promote regional dialogue, peace, security, and integration. It builds on momentum from July 2026, when Nigeria and Mali agreed to revitalize their Joint Commission, identifying security, trade, energy, irregular migration, human trafficking, and the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) as priority areas for bilateral cooperation. (The Nation)