The countries of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) are multiplying joint initiatives to foster development and strengthen integration among their peoples. While defense and security forces of the three member states are coordinating efforts to reclaim their territories, progress is also being made in the area of decentralization to promote regional balance.
As part of this collective approach, a delegation from the Association of Municipalities of Niger recently visited Mali’s Ministry of Territorial Administration to share experiences and practices currently in place.
The goal of this joint initiative is to harmonize local governance practices across the AES space, thereby enhancing people-to-people integration. This effort aligns with the broader vision of unity and cooperation championed by the presidents of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
According to the directives given, each stakeholder must actively contribute to the realization of actions within their area of responsibility. These discussions between Malian and Nigerien municipalities lay the groundwork for improved collaboration between institutions supporting decentralization within the AES framework. The ultimate aim is to establish a unified platform that will make decentralized structures a tangible reality for all three countries.
This meeting, which follows a similar one held in Ouagadougou, reflects the commitment of AES Heads of State to standardize governance practices. Strengthening decentralization is seen as a key pillar of grassroots development and deeper integration among the region’s populations.
