In brief
Niger and Mali's presidents affirmed their commitment to the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) during a visit in Niamey, highlighting gains of the AES Unified Force and swearing off mercenary destabilization. The leaders agreed to coordinate policies on security, diplomacy, and development, and to follow up with reciprocal visits. The joint communique underscores a new phase of joint action against terrorism and the consolidation of regional integration.
In Niamey, Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani welcomed Malian transitional president Assimi Goita at Diori Hamani International Airport, marking the beginning of a two‑day visit that would reinforce the Crescent Alliance’s resolve to fight terrorism and deepen cooperation under the Confederation of Sahel States.
The two leaders held a one‑on‑one meeting, before chairing an expanded working session with delegation members from both countries. Discussions centered on current security challenges across the AES region and the progress made in defence, security, diplomacy, and development. Both presidents expressed strong support for the AES Unified Force’s accomplishments in curbing terrorist activity and reaffirmed their determination to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.
On the diplomatic front, the communique highlighted the importance of harmonising the positions and initiatives of the member states of the confederation. The leaders said that such coordination enhances the AES’s visibility and standing at sub‑regional, African, and international levels. They also outlined efforts to coordinate policies in areas including free movement of people and goods, transport infrastructure, agro‑industrial development, and the exploitation of energy and mineral resources.
The communique also condemned attempts to destabilise the member states of the confederation by mercenaries allegedly backed by foreign governments. Both presidents agreed that these acts undermine the shared commitment to peace and stability within the Sahel.
The Confederation of Sahel States: A Growing Alliance
The Confederation of Sahel States, established in July 2024 by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, provides a framework for cooperation among the three countries in defence and security, diplomacy, and development. By joining forces, the states aim to create a collective security umbrella that can tackle the threat of jihadist insurgencies and enhance their economic coordination.
During the meeting, Goita extended an invitation to Tiani to visit Mali on an official visit. Tiani accepted the invitation, and the date will be determined through diplomatic channels, as stated in the joint communique. The reciprocal visits are intended to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate the implementation of shared initiatives.
Both leaders stressed that partnership under the AES framework will require continuous coordination across multiple domains. They acknowledged that while the Unified Force has achieved notable progress, the fight against terrorism remains a high priority, demanding sustained commitment, resource sharing, and unified strategy.
In the broader context of the Sahel region, the futures of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso depend heavily on the ability to suppress extremist networks while preventing external interference. By reaffirming their commitment, the presidents expressed confidence that the AES can continue to be an effective conduit for shared resolution of security, diplomatic, and economic challenges.
