Bamako: On the occasion of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) delivered a significant declaration emphasizing the necessity of incorporating security measures into development agendas. Major General Abdoulaye Maiga, Prime Minister and Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization of Mali, represented the AES Confederation, currently chaired by Mali, and conveyed the united stance of Sahel leaders against terrorism and for regional development.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the declaration highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Sahel countries, specifically terrorism, which has been exacerbated by foreign state involvement. This ongoing struggle has necessitated the allocation of substantial national resources towards security measures, impacting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the fundamental existence of these states. The AES Confederation, led by prominent regional figures such as Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso, General Assimi Goita of Mali, and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger, is committed to transforming the region into a strong pan-Africanist entity that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens.
The AES has undertaken strategic initiatives, including the establishment of a Confederation Investment and Development Bank, with an initial funding of 500 billion CFA francs (approximately 1 billion dollars). The Confederation is advocating for investments that align with national priorities and uphold state sovereignty while pursuing international cooperation, particularly in technology, innovation, agriculture, industrialization, and energy transition.
Furthermore, the AES is calling for significant reforms within international financial institutions and urging the global community to decouple terrorism from its sponsors. The declaration underscored the importance of integrating security considerations into development programs to foster international peace and respect national sovereignty, aligning with the aspirations of Sahel populations.
The AES Confederation’s message at the conference was clear: development financing must evolve to include security dimensions, ensuring peace and progress in the Sahel region amidst global threats to security.