Sahel Security: AES Nations Accelerate Joint Military Force in Niamey Summit
Niamey hosted defense leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger this week as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) moves to establish its unified military force, marking a significant step in regional security cooperation against cross-border threats destabilizing the Sahel region.
NIAMEY, November 8, 2025 – President Abdourahamane Tiani convened defense ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) member nations at the Presidential Palace to advance the operationalization of their joint military force. The high-level meeting represents a crucial milestone in the Confederation’s security framework development.
The delegation included key defense figures from across the Sahel region:
- Major General Sadio Camara, Mali’s Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs
- Brigadier General Clestin Simpore, Burkina Faso’s Minister of State for Defense and Veterans Affairs
- General Salifou Mody, Niger’s Minister of State for National Defense
Also attending were Brigadier General Ibroh Amadou Bacharou, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, and Salim Mahamadou Gado, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Head of State.
Discussions centered on implementation strategies for the unified military force, designed to enhance collective security capabilities against transnational threats. The AES members reinforced their commitment to building a sovereign defense architecture tailored to the Sahel’s specific security challenges.
Accelerated Implementation Timeline
Following the presidential audience, delegations continued technical discussions in what observers described as a determined atmosphere. President Tiani, a driving force behind the regional security initiative, emphasized the urgency of rapidly deploying the joint military unit.
The AES defense ministers echoed this sentiment, viewing the Niamey meeting as strengthening a unified front capable of responding to security threats with greater coherence and effectiveness. As the Sahel continues to face persistent security challenges, this high-level coordination demonstrates a shared commitment to sovereign defense solutions.
The young Confederation is gradually defining a new regional security architecture, guided by a common vision of creating a resilient space that controls its own security and future trajectory.