Mali leads AES alliance toward stronger joint military force against jihadists

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—are governed by military juntas that seized power through coups between 2020 and 2023. These regimes have embraced a sovereignist agenda and distanced themselves from Western influence.

Key discussions at the AES summit in Bamako

Malian junta leader Assimi Goïta hosted his Nigerien counterpart, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in Bamako on Monday. Meanwhile, Burkinabé leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré arrived on Tuesday for the second day of the summit, according to Malian officials.

The primary focus of the meeting was advancing plans for a joint military force to counter the growing threat of jihadist groups operating across the region.

Symbolic launch of the AES unified force

On Saturday, Assimi Goïta presented a banner to the AES Unified Force (FU-AES), marking its official activation. Authorities described the event as a milestone, though no timeline was provided for full operational deployment.

Ongoing security challenges in the Sahel

The AES nations have battled jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State for over a decade, with limited success. Recent offensives have pushed militants further south in Mali, where they are increasingly disrupting the landlocked nation’s economy.

In Burkina Faso and Niger, jihadist groups continue to challenge central authority, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

A Malian defense ministry official told AFP: «We have allocated the necessary resources. Each country has contributed troops and equipment. We will stand together on the ground.»

Additional AES initiatives under review

The summit also included the launch of a new media venture, Télévision AES, though its air date remains undisclosed. Another key decision involves establishing a shared investment bank, headquartered in Bamako, aimed at boosting economic cooperation.

The AES bloc, which has distanced itself from France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is expanding ties with alternative partners such as Russia.