# West and Central African diplomatic and security cooperation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-and-central-african-diplomatic-and-security-cooperation > Updated: 2026-09-19T00:30:53.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Diplomatic activities in Benin, Mali, and Gabon have focused on strengthening international security frameworks and bilateral cooperation. In Benin, officials met to discuss enhancing defense and security cooperation with China, aiming to use security expertise to bolster economic ties. In Mali, discussions with a British delegation addressed Sahelian terrorism and the formation of the Confederation of Sahel States, with calls for responsible roles from foreign actors. Subsequent developments in Gabon saw the adoption of draft laws to ratify several international conventions, including military cooperation frameworks with Italy and Türkiye, as well as agreements regarding air transport and human rights. Meanwhile, Mali expanded its focus toward diaspora engagement, reviewing initiatives such as the Grand Forum of the Malian Youth Diaspora in Philadelphia and the launch of a digital skills platform in Washington. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: Gabon and Mali advance international cooperation and diaspora initiatives Gabon is ratifying several international treaties regarding defense, security, and human rights, while Mali focuses on diaspora engagement and professional training initiatives. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gabon-and-mali-advance-international-cooperation-and-diaspora-initiatives ### 2026-09-09: Diplomatic meetings in Benin and Mali address security and cooperation Diplomatic meetings in Benin and Mali focused on strengthening international ties, with Benin discussing defense cooperation with China and Mali engaging the UK on Sahel security and economic development. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diplomatic-meetings-in-benin-and-mali-address-security-and-cooperation --- Cite as: West and Central African diplomatic and security cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-and-central-african-diplomatic-and-security-cooperation