The Prime Ministers of the new Alliance of Sahel States (AES) met in the Nigerièn capital, Niamey, to reaffirm the common determination to deepen the Sahelian alliance to face security challenges and strengthen the independence of the region.
The three prime ministers, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine (Niger),, Dr Choguel Kokalla Maïga (Mali) and Apollinaire Joachim Kyélem (Burkina Faso) gathered at a summit for strategic discussions between the member countries of the AES in Niger on December 30.
The event came shortly after the prime ministers attended a demonstration in Niamey in celebration of the French troops withdrawal from Niger, which along with AES partners, terminated all security and military agreements with France.
Reports say the head of the Nigerièn military junta, General Tiani, received the Prime Ministers at. The Nigerièn military leader praised the active solidarity between Niger, Mali and Burkina in their fight for sovereignty. He reiterated Niger’s desire to play a leading role within this pan-African strategic alliance.
The Prime Ministers stressed the importance of sovereignty and the enhancement of the armed forces in their discussions. They also expressed their disagreement with the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, while focusing on common development projects.
The meeting in Niamey demonstrated the desire to strengthen the Alliance of Sahel States and deepen their cooperation in various areas, including security.
“If you notice, it all started with safety issues. Today, collaboration between our three armies has reached an extremely high level of integration. And that scares some people,” Malian Prime Minister, Choguel Maiga added.
“From now on, we say, whether you’re from Mali, Niger or Burkina, we have the same destiny. We’re going in together. […] It is up to us to take control of our destiny,” Burkinabe Prime Minister, Kyelem, was quoted as saying.
The Nigerièn prime minister, Lamine Zeine mentioned in particular the construction of a highway and a railway which will promote trade between the member countries of the alliance.
During the summit, the Prime Ministers denounced foreign interference and advocated mutually beneficial South-South cooperation. Maïga declared that the AES is “an emancipation initiative” which aims to free the Sahel from imperialist pressure. Kyélem added that the alliance is “a resistance force” against forces trying to control the region. And Zeine stressed that the AES is “a hope for the future” of the Sahel.
The Prime Ministers’ visit to Niger concluded in Agadez, where they attended the final of the traditional wrestling championship, the Saber National, before returning to their respective countries.
