Nearing four years since its inception, the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has made insufficient progress. President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, who currently holds the AES presidency, acknowledges that the alliance's achievements fall short of expectations. He emphasizes the need for accelerated implementation of commitments to address integration and security concerns. Traoré made these remarks during an extensive interview with the press on September 27, 2026.
Traoré expressed that while the AES has made some strides, it still has considerable ground to cover to meet the aspirations of its member states. He noted that the alliance's progress is hindered by significant challenges, including the absence of a unified force and inadequate integration among member countries. The president stressed that the AES must expedite its efforts to establish a robust and autonomous force capable of addressing regional security concerns.
A key aspect of the AES's operational capacity is the development of a unified force. Traoré acknowledged that this process is time-consuming, citing the need for a fully autonomous unit with its personnel, logistical resources, and aerial capabilities under a unified command. He expressed optimism that the force will become operational soon, enabling the AES to play a more substantial role in regional security matters, such as the recent events in Niger.
In addition to security concerns, Traoré identified integration as another area where the AES is lagging. He emphasized that the free movement of citizens among member states is a crucial indicator of the alliance's effectiveness. Traoré noted that progress on this front has been slow and called for accelerated efforts to facilitate the free circulation of people, goods, and services.
To address integration challenges, Burkina Faso has prepared texts aimed at facilitating cooperation among AES member states. Traoré indicated that these documents have been submitted to Mali and Niger for validation and implementation. He stressed the importance of unanimous agreement among member states, highlighting the need for collective action to drive progress.
Traoré attributed the varying paces of progress within the AES to differences in member states' circumstances, including territorial size, security situations, and economic capacities. He emphasized that these factors must be considered when evaluating the alliance's performance and that leaders must continually assess areas where progress can be accelerated.
In conclusion, Traoré reiterated the need for the AES to accelerate its efforts to address regional challenges. He emphasized that the alliance's success depends on the collective commitment of its member states to drive progress and meet the expectations of their citizens. Traoré expressed optimism that with concerted efforts, the AES can overcome its current challenges and achieve its objectives.
Key points
- The AES has made insufficient progress since its creation, with key challenges including the absence of a unified force and inadequate integration.
