Ouagadougou: The Chiefs of Staff and military experts of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) convened in Ouagadougou this Tuesday to devise "a common defense architecture that is solid, effective and adapted to the security challenges" confronting the region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Chief of Staff of the Burkina Faso Armed Forces, General Mousa Diallo, stated that the army has a historic duty to respond to the legitimate aspirations by establishing the AES force. He emphasized that this force must symbolize a categorical rejection of external solutions. General Diallo urged the need for building a coordinated, sovereign, and united response.

General Diallo highlighted that the meeting represents a pivotal step in realizing the AES confederation's shared vision of collective security, which is grounded in solidarity, interoperability of forces, and mutual trust. "It marks a decisive step in the journey toward a common, autonomous, and sovereign defense," he stated.

The discussions aimed at assessing and validating plans for an additional defense and security protocol, alongside determining the modalities for implementing the AES force. The Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces are committed to the vision set by the AES Confederation's Heads of State, which includes overcoming existing challenges and laying the groundwork for military cooperation. This cooperation encompasses intelligence sharing, joint training, suitable equipment, and a unified strategy.

"The Confederation of Sahel States is on the move. Together, we are writing a new chapter in the military history of the Sahel. The world is watching us, and our people trust us," General Diallo concluded, expressing optimism about the discussions being frank, constructive, and hopeful for the region's unity.

This assembly follows previous commitments made in Niamey on March 7, 2024, and Bamako on November 8, 2024.