On September 27, 2026, New York hosted a significant gathering of ministers from the Sahel region and their diaspora. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, brought together Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré of Burkina Faso, Abdoulaye Diop of Mali, and Bakary Yaou Sangaré of Niger. The ministers engaged with a large group of diaspora members from the United States and Canada, aiming to update them on the progress of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and strengthen ties between the diaspora and their home countries.
The meeting was described as a fraternal encounter, highlighting the achievements of the AES and its vision for a sovereign Sahel region. The ministers reported on several key developments, including the operationalization of a unified force, the effective functioning of the AES's media and banking sectors, and enhanced diplomatic coordination. They also discussed future prospects, such as the establishment of an AES Parliament. The dialogue underscored the importance of security, development, and integration in the region, particularly in the context of terrorism.
Kassoum Coulibaly, representing the ambassadors, praised the high turnout of diaspora members as a testament to their unwavering commitment to their homeland. The ministers and diaspora representatives engaged in a constructive exchange, with the diaspora expressing its expectations and suggestions. These included accelerating discussions on monetary sovereignty, creating favorable conditions for investments, and integrating diaspora expertise into public policy formulation.
The diaspora reiterated its full support for the authorities and its willingness to actively participate in development projects, leveraging its skills and resources. In response, the ministers encouraged the diaspora to act as ambassadors for the AES, combat misinformation, and invest more in their countries of origin. This interaction highlights the strategic importance of the diaspora in building a sovereign, united, and prosperous Sahel region.
The AES ministers also addressed the region's relationship with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasizing that their withdrawal from the bloc is irreversible. However, they stressed that this decision does not imply isolation but rather a pursuit of partnerships based on clear legal frameworks that serve the interests of West African peoples.
The encounter in New York illustrates the commitment of Sahel region leaders to engage with their diaspora and harness their potential for the region's development. It demonstrates that the leaders do not stand alone in their quest for dignity and self-determination. The AES aims to foster a sense of shared destiny and cooperation between the diaspora and the Sahel region.
Ultimately, the meeting between the AES ministers and the diaspora reflects a broader strategy to consolidate regional integration and promote a sovereign Sahel. By engaging with their diaspora, the ministers of the AES are reinforcing the notion that the future of the Sahel region is a collective responsibility, shared by those within and outside its borders.
Key points
- The AES ministers and diaspora discussed progress on security, development, and integration in the Sahel region.
- The diaspora called for accelerated reflection on monetary sovereignty and better integration into policy-making.
- The AES aims to establish partnerships with other West African countries based on clear legal frameworks.
