Dakar Forum: Mali Highlights Sovereignty and Regional Integration at High-Level Security

Dakar, April 20, 2026 - Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, co-chaired a key plenary session at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, focusing on the evolving concept of sovereignty in a changing global landscape.

The session, held on Monday under the theme “Sovereignty and Contemporary Challenges: Africa Between Perils and Opportunities,” brought together policymakers and experts to examine how African states can navigate growing geopolitical pressures while safeguarding national interests.

In his opening remarks, Minister Diop stressed that the question of sovereignty has become central for both major powers and more vulnerable nations, particularly in a context marked by global uncertainty and shifting international dynamics.

He emphasized that national sovereignty should not be seen in opposition to collective approaches. In this regard, he pointed to the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) as an example of a framework where member states seek to reconcile national sovereignty with a broader form of collective sovereignty.

According to Diop, such regional mechanisms aim to strengthen integration through coordinated efforts in defense, diplomacy, and development, offering a strategic response to shared challenges across the Sahel.

The discussions at the forum underscored the growing importance of regional cooperation as African countries seek to balance independence with collective resilience in an increasingly complex international environment.