AES Confederation: The 5,000-strong joint force would reflect a deep-seated aspiration

The news has been making the rounds on social networks and the pan-African media since Monday 21 January, following a media appearance by Niger’s Minister of State for National Defence, General Salifou Mody. Speaking on national television RTN, he announced the imminent operationalisation of the joint AES Confederation force, currently made up of 5,000 men.

These will be fighters capable of defending the integrity of the AES common area against armed terrorist groups and their sponsors, who have made the area their private property, flouting the interests of the people of the Sahel.

For analysts, this crucial step by the AES in its policy to combat terrorist threats also reflects the profound aspirations of the leaders of the three member countries of the Confederation.

At the outset, their alliance was motivated by the desire to pool their forces to put an end to this scourge that hinders the development of their nations, impoverishes the common space and undermines the development of their populations.

Over time, this vision has broadened to include the desire to work towards effective development, regional integration and the establishment of an African power through unified diplomacy.

The effectiveness of the joint force, which has the necessary land and air resources at its disposal, as well as intelligence, as announced by the Niger authorities, confirms the determination of the founding fathers of this Alliance to build a secure and stable Sahelian space for the benefit of their peoples.

According to analysts, this is the sign of an imminent complete victory over the enemies in this region of Africa, and also over imperialism.

Papa IBRAHIMA