Military leaders from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are convening in Bamako for the second edition of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) summit, marking a significant step towards regional autonomy and strengthened cooperation within the alliance. This summit addresses critical areas such as defense, security, development, and counterterrorism efforts as the three countries seek to decrease their dependence on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Malian President Assimi Goïta and Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani met at Bamako’s airport before proceeding to the presidential palace for talks. Burkinabe President Ibrahim Traoré joined the discussions on Tuesday morning after a delay. The three nations initially formed the AES in 2023 and made a strategic withdrawal from ECOWAS last year due to strained relations with many Western partners following a series of military coups.
A key development leading up to the summit was the announcement of a joint military force aimed at combating terrorism in the Sahel region. Additionally, the leaders inaugurated the Alliance of Sahel States TV broadcaster, a platform intended to counter disinformation and promote the interests of the AES bloc.
As Goïta was appointed president of the alliance during the inaugural summit last year, a new head of the AES is anticipated to be appointed this week in Bamako. Notably, despite their withdrawal from ECOWAS, there are indications that the regional bloc remains open to allowing the three countries continued access to certain privileges, including trade.
In a move towards greater self-sufficiency, the AES countries have introduced their own travel documents for citizens, while still maintaining membership in the West African Economic and Monetary Union. This membership ensures continued trade and the free movement of goods among its eight member states, which include Senegal, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, and Benin.
The ongoing discussions and initiatives from the AES showcase a commitment to fostering resilience and stability in the region, underscoring hopes for greater collaboration and a unified approach to addressing shared challenges.