AES Confederation - Prime Minister Chairs Strategic Meeting on Year II Roadmap

Bamako, February 17, 2026 - Mali’s Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review and advance the Year II roadmap of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), marking a new phase in the regional alliance’s development. The session, held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Bamako, brought together members of the steering committee of the AES national committee to discuss the adoption of a consensus-based roadmap for the confederation’s second year of operations. Irreversible Regional Alliance Officials described the AES Confederation as an established and irreversible regional framework, strongly supported by the three member states: Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso and current AES Chair General Assimi Goïta, Transitional President of Mali General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of Niger The alliance was presented as a key instrument for strengthening regional sovereignty, security cooperation, and economic integration in the Sahel. Building on Year I Achievements Participants reviewed the concrete achievements of Year I, implemented under Mali’s presidency, and discussed priorities for the coming year. According to officials, the Year II roadmap will incorporate lessons learned during the first phase and will be developed through consultation with all member states. Three Strategic Pillars The new roadmap is structured around three main pillars: Defense and Security Diplomacy Development Authorities said the plan aims to strengthen collective security, improve regional coordination, and promote sustainable development across AES member countries. The meeting concluded with a commitment to finalize and implement the consensus roadmap, seen as a key step in consolidating the institutional framework of the AES Confederation.