AES: Preparations for the Bamako Summit, towards a united and sovereign Sahel Confederation
In a regional context marked by persistent security, diplomatic, and economic challenges, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) continues its work toward integration and institutional consolidation. The recent ministerial meeting held in Ouagadougou, under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, illustrates the determination of the member states to structure a confederal dynamic capable of meeting their peoples’ aspirations and strengthening Sahel stability.
The meeting between the President of Burkina Faso and AES foreign ministers, led by Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulaye Diop, provided a rigorous assessment of preparations for the upcoming Summit of Heads of State scheduled for Bamako on December 22-23, 2025.
This meeting, far from being merely diplomatic, aligns with the AES’s ambitious trajectory to structure an autonomous Sahelian space capable of defining its own security, economic, and diplomatic priorities.
Analysis of the preparatory work reveals a pragmatic and coherent security approach.
The gradual deployment of coordinated forces demonstrates that collective defense is now considered a central pillar of regional sovereignty, moving beyond previous external dependencies.
The diplomatic component, based on the ability of the AES to “speak with one voice,” constitutes a strategic lever for international recognition.
This unified communication strengthens member states’ credibility in negotiations and affirms their capacity to influence regional and global forums.
The Ouagadougou meeting, beyond mere logistical planning, demonstrates the political will of Sahelian leaders to build a solid confederal space. Under President Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership and with ministerial commitment, the AES shows it can overcome temporary crises to establish the foundations of a regional architecture capable of addressing the deep aspirations of its populations.
The Alliance of Sahel States is thus emerging as a strategic, credible, and mobilizing project, positioning sovereignty and unity at the heart of Sahel development.
Titi KEITA
