The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, delivered a statement on behalf of the AES at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2026. The statement was made in the names of the leaders of the AES, including Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, General Assimi Goita of Mali, and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger. The AES expressed gratitude to the President of the 81st session and commended the outgoing President of the 80th session, Annalena Baerbock.
The AES statement highlighted the devastating impact of terrorism on civilians in the Sahel region, particularly women and children. The region has been plagued by terrorist violence for over a decade, resulting in thousands of innocent victims. The AES condemned the violence and emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities against civilians. The statement also paid tribute to the bravery of the defense and security forces of the AES and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland.
The AES leaders have vowed to continue fighting against terrorism and to work towards the reconquest of their territories. The alliance has made significant progress in recent years, including the creation of a unified force and a confederal bank for investment and development. The AES has also strengthened its relations with other countries and international organizations. The statement emphasized the importance of sovereignty, dignity, and freedom for the people of the Sahel.
The AES statement also addressed the theme of the 81st UN General Assembly, "Rebuilding Trust, Managing Transformation: An Organization for All." The AES noted that the theme acknowledges the erosion of trust among member states due to double standards and partiality. The alliance emphasized the need for reform and greater representation for all member states. The AES also highlighted the importance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including peace, justice, and human rights.
The statement also paid tribute to the memory of General Sadio Camara, who was assassinated on April 25, 2026, for his commitment to peace in Mali and the Sahel. The AES leaders have pledged to continue their efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. The alliance has also called for greater international cooperation to address the root causes of terrorism and to support the efforts of countries in the Sahel region.
The AES has been working to strengthen its institutions and to promote economic development in the region. The alliance has also been working to improve the living conditions of its citizens and to promote social justice. The AES statement emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach to development and the need for greater investment in human capital.
The AES statement concluded by emphasizing the alliance's commitment to its values of dignity, prosperity, liberty, and justice. The AES leaders have pledged to continue their efforts to build a brighter future for the people of the Sahel. The alliance has called for greater international support and cooperation to achieve its goals.
Key points
- The AES has called for an immediate end to violence against civilians in the Sahel region.
- The alliance has pledged to continue fighting against terrorism and to work towards the reconquest of their territories.
- The AES has emphasized the need for reform and greater representation for all member states at the UN.
