Niamey — In a landmark move that redefines regional dynamics, the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Confederation. This decision came to fruition during the first AES summit held in Niamey, where the three heads of state signed the treaty amid commitments to fostering regional development and unity.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the historic agreement was signed by Niger’s Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani, Burkina’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré, and Mali’s Colonel Assimi Goïta. The signing ceremony, described as a moment of great determination, took place on the banks of the Niger River, signaling a new era for the Sahel region. The creation of the confederation on July 6, 2024, has been viewed as a significant step with potential for enhancing developmental prospects across the member states.

L’Observateur Paalga, a longstanding private daily, posed the question of whether this new alliance signifies a definitive break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), suggesting that the timing of the AES confederation’s launch—a day before the 65th ordinary summit of ECOWAS—was strategically chosen to preempt the community summit’s discussions regarding the three countries’ departure.

In contrast, L’Express du Faso highlighted the unavoidable overlap between ECOWAS and the newly formed AES, emphasizing that both organizations occupy the same geographical space and serve similar populations. The daily stressed the necessity for both entities to coexist peacefully and constructively for the benefit of their people.

Furthermore, Le Pays noted that the signing of the treaty represents a critical juncture for AES, providing it with a robust legal framework and elevating its political stature. The confederation is founded on principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-aggression among member states, underscoring a commitment to peaceful cooperation.