Sahel: Would France have funded the destabilization of AES?

Recent reports allege that France, through its Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE), orchestrated a plan to destabilize the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The first phase of this operation was reportedly funded with a staggering 8 billion currency units, channeled to stateless individuals tasked with executing subversive actions.

This substantial financial commitment underscores the strategic significance of the mission, with the AES perceived as a challenge to France’s influence in the region.

Disinformation at the Core of the Strategy

The alleged plot gained momentum in the lead-up to the ECOWAS summit in December 2024, marked by a surge in misinformation across social media platforms and select French media outlets.

 These misleading narratives were reportedly designed to tarnish the reputations of AES leaders, erode public trust, and fuel internal discord.

This disinformation campaign appears to be part of a broader effort to undermine the AES, an alliance that represents a new model of independence and solidarity in Africa.

A Call for Vigilance and Unity

In response to these alleged attacks, the AES member states are urged to strengthen their vigilance and foster unity.

Solidarity among the alliance’s leaders and their populations is seen as essential to countering destabilization attempts and building a resilient foundation for sustainable cooperation.

 Now more than ever, resilience and collective determination are vital to safeguarding the sovereignty and cohesion of this emerging alliance against external threats.

Cédric KABORE