Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso leaders meet in Bamako for Alliance of Sahel States summit

The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is advancing towards regional autonomy with ongoing high-level discussions in Bamako.

The second edition of the AES summit focuses on strengthening cooperation within the alliance, aiming to reduce reliance on the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. Key areas of focus include defense and security, development, communication, and counterterrorism efforts.

Malian President Assimi Goïta and Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tchiani convened at Bamako's airport before proceeding to the presidential palace. Burkinabe President Ibrahim Traoré joined the summit following a delay.

The alliance was formed in 2023, with the three countries withdrawing from ECOWAS last year. These developments occurred after tensions arose between the countries and their Western partners following military coups.

Prior to the summit, the three states announced the creation of a joint military force to combat terrorism in the region. The leaders also launched the Alliance of Sahel States TV broadcaster to counter disinformation and promote the bloc's interests.

Following the appointment of Goïta as president of the alliance at last year’s summit, a new head of the AES is expected to be named in Bamako this week.

ECOWAS remains open to allowing Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to retain certain privileges, including trade, despite their withdrawal. However, these countries are asserting autonomy by introducing their own travel documents for citizens.

The three countries continue to be members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, which ensures trade and free movement of goods among its eight members, including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, and Benin.

Based on reporting by Africanews.