The military juntas governing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—rose to power through coups between 2020 and 2023. These regimes advocate a sovereigntist agenda and have distanced themselves from Western influence.
regional leaders convene in Bamako to discuss joint security measures
On Monday, Malian junta leader Assimi Goïta hosted his Nigerien counterpart, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in Bamako. The Burkinabé leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, was initially scheduled to arrive on Monday but is now expected the following day, according to Malian authorities.
The primary focus of the summit centered on advancing plans for a joint military force to combat the escalating threat of jihadist groups across their territories. While progress was made, the initiative remains in its early stages, with no confirmed operational timeline.
symbolic launch of the AES unified force
Over the weekend, Assimi Goïta presented a banner to the AES Unified Force (FU-AES), marking its formal activation, as confirmed by Malian officials. Despite the ceremonial gesture, concrete deployment details have yet to be disclosed.
The three nations have faced relentless jihadist threats for over a decade, with attacks linked to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State. Recent offensives have pushed militants deeper into southern Mali, crippling the landlocked country’s economy through targeted infrastructure and supply chain disruptions. Neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger also grapple with insurgencies that have displaced thousands of civilians.
A Malian defense ministry spokesperson emphasized the commitment: «We’ve allocated the necessary resources. Each nation has contributed troops and equipment, and we’ll stand together in the field.»
new media and financial ventures take shape
The summit also unveiled plans for Télévision AES, a joint broadcasting outlet, though its launch date remains undisclosed. Additionally, the leaders are set to approve the framework for a shared investment bank, headquartered in Bamako, aimed at fostering economic cooperation among the AES member states.
By shifting alliances away from former colonial power France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the AES has strengthened ties with alternative partners, notably Russia.
