In a ceremony held on September 19, 2026, at the MJC LAYA in Agadez, Niger, the Secretary General of the Agadez Governorate, Souleymane Saidou Boulhassan, presided over the installation of the united forces bureau and the council of elders of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) confederation. The event marked a significant step towards operationalizing the AES in the confederal space. The regional provisional coordination bureau of AES consists of 17 members, while the regional provisional council of elders has 12 members.
During the installation ceremony, Souleymane Saidou Boulhassan emphasized that the united forces and the council of elders are organizations working to operationalize the AES. He highlighted their responsibilities in guiding and structuring initiatives to meet the needs and expectations of members, ensuring transparency and rigor in project and resource management. Boulhassan also stressed the importance of a high sense of responsibility, dedication, and teamwork for those leading or representing associations.
The Secretary General encouraged all stakeholders to support the newly installed bureaus with seriousness, open-mindedness, and goodwill, ensuring the success of their mission. Oumar Manman, National Coordinator of the united forces and the council of elders, stated that their presence is rooted in solidarity, peace, and social cohesion. He also emphasized their role in mobilizing citizens to understand the AES approach and in combating cybercrime while promoting sovereignty and independence.
According to Oumar Manman, the united forces aim to set a good example and closely follow the vision of the three Heads of State leading the AES. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of members from the regional provisional coordination bureau of AES and the regional provisional council of elders. This development is a crucial step in advancing the objectives of the AES confederation.
The AES confederation, comprising three Sahel countries, aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among its member states. The installation of these bureaus reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen the institutional framework of the AES. By establishing these bodies, the AES seeks to promote a more integrated and collaborative approach to addressing regional challenges.
The event in Agadez highlights the commitment of the Nigerien government and the AES member states to fostering cooperation and solidarity in the Sahel region. The AES confederation's focus on operationalization and effective governance is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens in the region. Further details on the specific initiatives and projects to be undertaken by the newly installed bureaus are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The successful installation of these bureaus marks a significant milestone in the AES's efforts to promote regional cooperation and stability. As the AES continues to evolve, its impact on the Sahel region and beyond will be closely watched by stakeholders and observers alike. The commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance will be crucial in determining the long-term success of the AES confederation.
Key points
- The AES confederation installs united forces and council of elders bureaus in Agadez, Niger.
- The bureaus aim to promote operationalization, transparency, and effective governance within the AES.
- The installation ceremony marks a significant step towards achieving the AES's objectives in the Sahel region.
