In brief
In a meeting at Niamey, Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani and Mali’s transitional President Assimi Goïta reaffirmed their support for the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and the AES Unified Force’s counter‑terrorism work. They condemned mercenary interference and agreed to strengthen cooperation across security, diplomacy, and development, with future visits planned for both capitals.
Niger and Mali leaders met in Niamey on Nov. 6 to reaffirm their commitment to the Confederation of Sahel States, a three‑country alliance formed in 2024 to fight terrorism in the Sahel region, Xinhua reported.
The meeting followed the arrival of Mali’s transitional President Assimi Goïta, who was received by Niger President Abdourahamane Tiani at Diori Hamani International Airport, the capital’s main gateway.
During a one‑on‑one session, the two presidents hurriedly chaired an expanded working group that included officials from both delegations, according to a joint communique released by the governments.
The discussion highlighted the security situation in the AES region and the progress made by the AES Unified Force against terrorist groups, with both leaders commending the unit’s advances and pledging to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.
Both leaders strongly condemned attempts to destabilise the member states, describing the interference of foreign‑backed mercenaries as a threat to regional stability and the functioning of the confederation.
On the diplomatic front, the leaders emphasised the importance of an aligned position among AES countries, noting that it improved the confederation’s visibility and standing in sub‑regional, African, and international forums.
The communique also stressed the need for coordinated policies in areas such as free movement of people and goods, transport infrastructure, agro‑industrial development, and the exploitation of energy and mineral resources.
Furthermore, Goïta invited Tiani to visit Mali for an official trip, an invitation that Tiani accepted; the dates will be arranged through diplomatic channels, the communique said.
The Confederation of Sahel States, established by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in July 2024, serves as a framework for cooperation on defence, security, diplomacy, and development.
