On September 27, 2025, the Prime Ministers of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali convened in New York to engage with their respective diaspora communities. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, marked a significant moment in the development of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Burkina Faso's Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo, and Mali's General of Division Abdoulaye Maïga led the discussions.
The meeting provided a platform for the AES governments to address their diaspora communities collectively. The discussions focused on the construction of the AES, its orientations, and the role that diaspora members could play in this new regional dynamic. The event highlighted the importance of diaspora engagement in shaping the future of the Sahel region. By bringing together top officials and diaspora representatives, the AES aimed to foster a sense of unity and cooperation.
In addition to the main meeting, Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine held a separate encounter with representatives of the Nigerien diaspora in the United States and Canada at the Niger Permanent Mission to the United Nations. This separate meeting underscored the significance of diaspora engagement for Niger and the AES as a whole. The discussions likely explored ways to leverage diaspora expertise and resources for the development of the region.
The September 2025 meeting has retained its significance one year later, particularly for a confederation with a substantial diaspora population. The event serves as a reminder that the construction of the AES is not solely the concern of institutions and populations within Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Rather, it also involves the diaspora communities, their skills, and their connections to their countries of origin.
The AES has been working to strengthen ties with its diaspora communities, recognizing their potential contributions to regional development. By engaging with diaspora representatives, the AES governments can tap into their expertise, foster cooperation, and promote a sense of shared ownership. This approach is crucial for the success of the AES and its mission to promote regional integration and development.
As the AES continues to evolve, its relationship with diaspora communities will remain a vital aspect of its development. The September 2025 meeting set a precedent for future engagements between the AES and its diaspora. The event demonstrated the commitment of AES governments to inclusivity and cooperation, and it is likely to have a lasting impact on the region's development trajectory.
Key points
- The AES held a historic meeting with its diaspora in New York, bringing together top officials from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
