Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Review Progress of AES Confederation

The ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have convened in Ouagadougou to assess the progress of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Confederation. The meeting, which began on November 11, is tasked with examining the activities carried out since the adoption of the Year Two roadmap on February 26. The roadmap outlines the confederation's action plan, focusing on defense and security, diplomacy, and development.

The Burkinabè Minister of War and Patriotic Defense, General Célestin Simporé, is presiding over the meeting. He presented a report on the achievements of the confederation, including the establishment of a joint force, intelligence sharing, harmonization of military resources, and enhancement of the autonomy of the three countries' armies. However, specific details on the force's personnel, financing, and operations were not disclosed.

The diplomatic aspect of the confederation is also being discussed, with the three countries seeking to coordinate their positions in regional and international meetings while diversifying their partnerships. This coordination was evident in their interactions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The three nations have maintained a united stance on their future relations with the regional organization following their withdrawal.

The development pillar of the confederation focuses on the free movement of people and goods, transportation infrastructure, trade, and the valorization of natural resources. While the texts emphasize better integration of economies, specific projects, budgets, and timelines are not detailed. The populations will witness the results through improved roads, border crossings, and transportation conditions for goods.

The recognition of documents, border crossing times, and infrastructure availability are tangible manifestations of cooperation among the three countries. The issue of Burkinabè nationals being deported from Guinea's gold mining areas and returning to Mali was also addressed. The Burkinabè minister expressed gratitude to the Malian authorities for their hospitality and assistance in organizing convoys back to Burkina Faso.

A separate communiqué issued on November 11 regulates fundraising activities carried out in the name of the confederation. Associations, groups, and individuals must obtain authorization from national AES structures. The confederation's bank, established for investment and development, is tasked with mobilizing resources for common projects.

The meeting's outcome will be compiled into a synthesis note, summarizing the activities and recommendations. This document will be transmitted to the heads of state, although the date of their next meeting was not announced. The review process aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger within the AES Confederation.

Key points

• Ministers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger review progress of AES Confederation in Ouagadougou.
• The confederation focuses on defense, diplomacy, and development cooperation among its member states.
• A joint force and intelligence sharing are among the achievements highlighted in the Burkinabè minister's report.