Following a diplomatic visit to Ouagadougou, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot arrived in Niamey on August 28, championing the re-establishment of dialogue with Niger and, more broadly, with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
On August 28, 2026, Foreign Minister Prévot concluded his engagements in Niamey, where he was received by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. This high-level meeting was presented as a concerted effort to revive diplomatic exchanges with Niger and the other constituent nations of the Alliance of Sahel States.
Before his arrival in Niger, the Belgian head of diplomacy held discussions on August 27 in Ouagadougou with Burkinabè President Ibrahim Traoré. This itinerary underscored a deliberate two-part mission focusing on both Burkina Faso and Niger.
Maxime Prévot articulated a clear desire to rebuild bridges between the European Union and the AES countries, even in the face of existing disagreements. He specifically called for a dialogue process founded on principles of mutual respect.
Belgium has cultivated a long-standing and robust cooperative relationship with Niger, concentrating efforts particularly in the crucial areas of healthcare, education, and agropastoral development. These three sectors remain foundational to Belgium’s continued presence and support within the country.
This strategic approach is further bolstered by Belgium’s enduring diplomatic footprint in the central Sahel region, maintaining active diplomatic missions in both Niamey and Ouagadougou.