The Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is taking a bold step by putting defence and security at the core of its mission. Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani made this clear during his visit to Mali on Tuesday, announcing the creation of a joint military command to tackle insecurity in the region.
Speaking at Bamako’s Koulouba Palace, he explained that AES leaders are committed to building a unified regional force. The command’s general staff, already based in Niamey, is now operational with active battalions. According to him, all matters of defence and security will be handled directly by this joint structure, showing that the bloc is prioritising safety before anything else.
While defence takes the lead, Tchiani also stressed that diplomacy and development remain equally important pillars for AES. He mentioned that the bloc will rely on structures to track progress and keep all three goals aligned. On the global stage, AES intends to maintain a united front, especially at the United Nations and other key international platforms.
The Nigerien president also revealed plans for stronger economic ties. He announced that Bamako would soon host a meeting to finalise the creation of the Confederation Bank for Investment and Development, a financial institution set to drive long-term growth for member states.
Formed in September 2023 through the Liptako-Gourma Charter signed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, AES expanded in July 2024 with the launch of its Confederation in Niamey. This move reflects the countries’ ambition to deepen both economic and military cooperation. The joint defence push is a clear response to the instability and security threats that have long plagued the Sahel region.
