AES: Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga denounces international indifference to Sahel terrorism
At the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, held on 30 June 2025 in Seville, Spain, the Malian Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, denounced the inaction of the international community in the face of crimes committed by terrorist armed groups in the Sahel.
Speaking on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), he recalled that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have been facing “imposed” terrorism for over a decade, allegedly supported by “foreign state sponsors.” “Despite our tireless commitment, international responses often remain silent in the face of the violence suffered by our civilian populations,” he declared.
The Malian head of government stressed that this persistent insecurity severely hampers the sustainable development ambitions of AES countries. “A large part of our resources is mobilized to secure our territories, at the expense of other social priorities,” he lamented. He cited the destruction of schools, health centers, and violence against women and children as examples of the scale of terrorist crimes.
Calling for greater solidarity, the Prime Minister advocated for the reform of international financial institutions and stronger South-South cooperation. He also urged the need to “disconnect terrorism from its state sponsors,” accusing certain foreign powers of providing logistical support to terrorist groups, particularly in northern Mali.
Despite these difficult circumstances, Abdoulaye Maïga assured that the AES countries remain determined to defend their sovereignty and ensure the stability of their states, which he described as a prerequisite for any sustainable progress.
