Mali: The country ratifies the treaty of the Sahel States Confederation

Mali recently reached a historic milestone by ratifying the treaty for the creation of the Sahel States Confederation (AES), thereby formalizing its strategic alliance with Burkina Faso and Niger. This treaty, now validated by Mali’s National Transitional Council (CNT), establishes a strengthened cooperation among the three nations to better confront common challenges in security, diplomacy, and economic development in the Sahel.

The AES represents a significant departure from traditional regional defense approaches, advocating for greater autonomy in the face of cross-border threats, whether they be terrorist, political, or economic in nature.

Beyond security, the AES aims to provide a new impetus for the development of the Sahelian region. The treaty outlines closer cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, which are essential for improving the daily lives of local populations. The member states’ commitment to pooling their natural and human resources is emerging as a solid foundation for fostering a resilient and endogenous economic development model.

By ratifying this treaty, Mali demonstrates its commitment to a proactive and independent diplomacy in the region. The Sahel States Confederation, in line with African solidarity, embodies a shared vision of regional sovereignty, granting member states the freedom to build autonomous strategic partnerships.

Karim Koné