The governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have issued a joint statement warning against unauthorized fundraising activities in the name of the Sahel States Confederation (AES). The warning comes in response to the proliferation of citizen-led initiatives to collect funds in support of AES projects. While the governments appreciate the show of solidarity, they stress the need for transparency and authorization.
In a communiqué released on November 11 in Ouagadougou, the governments urged promoters of these initiatives to obtain prior authorization from competent structures, including national committees and commissions of the AES. This move aims to regulate citizen mobilization efforts in favor of building the confederal space. The governments also called on citizens to be vigilant against fraudulent collections.
The authorities highlighted the importance of ensuring the transparency and traceability of financial contributions. They encouraged citizens to refrain from making payments to individuals or structures without official authorization and to report any suspicious attempts to collect resources in the name of the Confederation. This warning is intended to prevent the risks of fraud and protect the financial contributions of citizens who wish to support the common ambitions of the three countries.
The AES has established a dedicated financial mechanism, the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development of the AES (BCID-AES), to concretize its development ambitions. This institution aims to mobilize the resources needed to finance endogenous and shared development within the confederal space. The governments reaffirmed their commitment to inscribing confederal construction within a legal, transparent, and secure institutional framework.
The joint statement reflects the governments' desire to balance patriotic mobilization of populations with the requirements of good governance and securitization of financial resources. By doing so, they aim to prevent the misuse of funds and ensure that contributions are channeled through official and authorized channels. The warning is also intended to protect citizens from potential scams and financial losses.
The governments' move is seen as a proactive step to maintain order and transparency in the collection and management of funds for AES projects. It underscores their commitment to accountability and responsible management of resources. By regulating these initiatives, the governments aim to ensure that the financial contributions of citizens are used effectively and efficiently.
Key stakeholders, including citizens, diaspora communities, and sympathizers of the AES, are urged to exercise caution and adhere to the guidelines set by the governments. The authorities have made it clear that they will not tolerate unauthorized fundraising activities and will take measures to prevent and address any attempts to misuse the name of the Confederation for fraudulent purposes.
Key points
- The governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have warned against unauthorized fundraising activities in the name of the Sahel States Confederation (AES).
- The warning aims to prevent fraudulent collections and ensure transparency and authorization in citizen-led initiatives to collect funds in support of AES projects.
- The AES has established a dedicated financial mechanism, the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development of the AES (BCID-AES), to concretize its development ambitions.
