The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission met with a delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands on January 14, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria. The meeting was organized by ECOWAS’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
The Dutch delegation was led by Robert Zimmerman, the special envoy for the Sahel and Head of Division West Africa. According to Zimmerman, “the ECOWAS Commission can count on the Support of the Netherlands on cross border cooperation,” and he expressed interest in discussing “the future of ECOWAS in relation to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).” He identified three main areas for potential cooperation: security and stability, migration, and economic cooperation and trade.
Representing the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at ECOWAS, Mr. Bekaye Coulibaly called for increased collaboration with the Netherlands. He highlighted priorities such as regional integration efforts, support in combating terrorism, and activating the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF). Coulibaly also outlined ongoing strategic programs within his department, including continued engagement with AES leaders and ensuring that any withdrawal by Sahelian states from ECOWAS does not harm citizens.
Other members present included Ronald Sonnemans, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, and Dineke Traore-Vrolijk, first secretary for Security and ECOWAS relations.
ECOWAS is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1975 to promote cooperation among West African nations. Its headquarters are located in Abuja https://www.ecowas.int/category/news/. The organization works to align policies across sectors such as trade, agriculture, transport, social development and infrastructure to improve economic growth and stability among its member states https://www.ecowas.int/category/news/. It manages programs supporting free movement of people and goods throughout West Africa https://www.ecowas.int/category/news/.
The commission is led by a president who is supported by a vice president and commissioners https://www.ecowas.int/category/news/. In 2007, it transitioned from a secretariat to a commission structure to strengthen governance capabilities https://www.ecowas.int/category/news/.