The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger will meet in the Nigerièn capital, Niamey, this Saturday for the first Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
According to the bloc, this “historic summit” will mark the official launch of the AES, a regional organisation created by the three countries to pool their efforts to combat insecurity and promote socio-economic development in the Sahel region.
The heads of state of the three countries, Colonel Assimi Goïta of Mali, Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger, will meet to discuss the common challenges facing their countries and to identify concerted regional solutions.
In June, Goita had paid a state visit to Burkina Faso, accompanied by a strong ministerial delegation, in a move to boost cooperation between the states and to show solidarity in the fight against Islamist insurgency in the region.
According to reports, both leaders’ discussions covered concrete projects aimed at improving bilateral collaboration, intensifying efforts to combat terrorism and promoting sustainable development initiatives. The discussions, no doubt, also covered questions relating to the AES.
At a press briefing during the visit, Goita said “We took stock of our bilateral cooperation, addressed security issues and economic development issues. We talked mostly about challenges we face and how to develop plans to be able to manage these challenges.”
