AES / The Confederation consolidates its foundations: Bamako to host the second session of the College of Heads of State in December

The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, continues to strengthen its political structure. The second session of its Council of Heads of State will be held in December 2025 in Bamako, announced General Assimi Goïta, President of Mali’s Transition. This announcement comes after consultations between the three leaders of the Confederation, including Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger.

This upcoming meeting is part of the ongoing process of asserting the AES, launched after the joint withdrawal of its members from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The first session, held in Niamey in July 2024, was a symbolic turning point, six months after the announcement of their withdrawal. It laid the groundwork for a regional governance model specific to the three countries.

Since then, despite several mediation initiatives led by the presidents of Senegal and Ghana, the AES member states have remained firm in their decision. However, they have agreed to open discussions with ECOWAS to develop a new framework for cooperation that better aligns with their security and political realities. This stance reflects a desire to redefine partnerships under conditions of enhanced sovereignty.

In response, ECOWAS has reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with the Sahel states. Nonetheless, the AES is now determined to chart its own course for regional integration, with a cooperation model based on shared interests in security, development, and political independence. The Bamako meeting could mark a new step in consolidating this emerging bloc.