AES Foreign Ministers Convene in Bamako to Advance Joint Diplomatic Agenda

Bamako, June 20, 2026 - Foreign ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) convened in Bamako on Saturday to advance the implementation of the bloc's "Diplomacy Pillar" under its Year II Roadmap, reinforcing efforts to coordinate a unified foreign policy among the three member states.

The ministerial meeting was chaired by Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Confederation. The session followed a meeting of senior officials held on June 17-18, where technical preparations were made for the ministerial discussions.

During the meeting, ministers sought to establish a common and coordinated framework for implementing the Confederation's diplomatic priorities, with a focus on strengthening cooperation and presenting unified positions on regional and international issues.

The opening ceremony featured remarks from Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, Niger's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, and Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, who formally opened the session.

The gathering forms part of the Confederation's broader efforts to deepen political integration and enhance diplomatic coordination among Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger under the AES framework.