Belgian minister Maxime Prévot urges renewed dialogue with Sahel states

During his diplomatic mission, Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, was received on August 28, 2026, in Niamey by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. This meeting marked the culmination of a visit designed to re-establish lines of communication with Niger and other member nations of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a critical area for Sahel current affairs.

Before his arrival in Niger, the head of Belgian diplomacy held discussions in Ouagadougou on August 27 with Burkinabè President Ibrahim Traoré. This dual visit to Burkina Faso and Niger underscores Belgium’s commitment to engaging key players in the region, providing on the ground Sahel insights.

Minister Prévot articulated his desire to rebuild connections between the European Union and the AES countries, even in the face of existing disagreements. He strongly advocated for a dialogue founded on mutual respect, a crucial element for stability and progress in the Sahel region, as covered in Sahel news English reports.

Belgium maintains a long-standing and robust cooperation with Niger, particularly in vital sectors such as health, education, and agropastoral development. These areas continue to form the bedrock of Belgium’s engagement and presence within the country.

This diplomatic strategy is further reinforced by a consistent and enduring presence in the central Sahel, where Belgium operates two key diplomatic posts in both Niamey and Ouagadougou, demonstrating its commitment to Mali Niger Burkina reporting and regional stability.