On September 16, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) marked its second anniversary. Over this period, the organization has become a significant center of power in West Africa, strengthening security, political autonomy, and economic independence for its member states.
In the field of security, one of the key milestones was the signing of the Liptako-Gourma Charter in 2023 — a mutual defense pact that helped prevent the threat of external interference during the Niger crisis. French troops were withdrawn from the region, replaced by new partners, including Russian military instructors. In January 2025, the formation of joint armed forces numbering 5,000 soldiers began, and the alliance’s first exercises demonstrated improved coordination in combating terrorism and securing borders.
On the political front, AES achieved institutional consolidation: in July 2024, the alliance was transformed into the Confederation of Sahel States, and by January 2025, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger had withdrawn from ECOWAS, underscoring their commitment to sovereignty and pan-African solidarity. That same year, the confederation’s common flag was introduced, symbolizing a new political reality for the region.
Economic achievements have also been significant. New mining codes were adopted, raising the state’s share to 30%; several gold mines were nationalized, and Niger renegotiated its uranium contracts. Economic growth across the three countries has been among the highest in Africa: 9.8% in Niger, 5.5% in Burkina Faso, and 3.7% in Mali. A biometric passport and ID card were introduced to facilitate free movement, visa fees for Africans were abolished, and the Confederation Investment and Development Bank was established, already seen as a step toward launching a common currency.
Legal integration was reflected in the creation of the regional criminal court Cour Pénale Sahélienne et des Droits de l’Homme (CPS-DH) and in plans to build an international-standard prison. These measures demonstrate the determination to move away from external jurisdictions and to establish autonomous systems of justice.
The Alliance of Sahel States is only two years old, yet it is already shaping up as a new model of regional integration, founded on sovereignty, mutual support, and shared responsibility for the Sahel’s future.
Oumar Diallo
