The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was established on September 17, 2023, by the transition leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with the signing of the Liptako-Gourma Charter. This alliance aims to enhance security, political, and economic cooperation among the three Sahel countries. The leaders have emphasized that the alliance provides a “path of sovereignty” for their countries and citizens, allowing them to take charge of their own security and work towards prosperity.
The decision to form the Alliance of Sahel States and leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was driven by the need for a collective defense and mutual assistance framework to combat the rising insecurity and armed rebellions in the Sahel region. The leaders of the member states expressed their commitment to supporting each other in defending their territorial integrity and preventing armed rebellions.
While the alliance has been portrayed as a tool for legitimacy and a means for the countries to take control of their own security, some analysts have raised concerns about the potential implications of the alliance. There are apprehensions that the alliance could be used to entrench and legitimize the military governments in the member states.
The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States has been met with both support and skepticism. The leaders of the member states have rallied thousands to support the alliance, emphasizing the importance of closer security, political, and economic ties. However, western media outlets have raised concerns about the alliance’s potential to embolden would-be putschists across West Africa and its ability to effectively address the security challenges in the region.