Confederation of Sahel States (AES) Calls for Sovereign-Led Regional Cooperation Against Terrorism

New York, United Nations Security Council - November 18, 2025

At a public briefing on “Peacebuilding in West Africa: Revitalizing Regional Cooperation in the Fight Against Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel”, a representative of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) delivered a statement on behalf of the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.

The representative commended the leadership of Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, chairing the Security Council, for convening the debate on revitalizing regional cooperation to combat terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel. Scope of the ThreatThe AES emphasized the escalating terrorist threat in the Sahel, highlighting that for over a decade, communities across the region have been subjected to violence imposed and supported by external actors. Women, children, and civilians have been killed, kidnapped, or forced into exile, while schools and health centers have come under attack. In response to the increasing inability of local Defense and Security Forces (FDS) to contain these threats, criminal networks have turned to economic terrorism, targeting civilian infrastructure and supply routes.

Formation of the AES : To confront these challenges, the leaders of Burkina Faso (Captain Ibrahim Traoré), Mali (General Assimi Goïta), and Niger (General Abdourahamane Tiani) have sovereignly established the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). This alliance aims to coordinate defense, diplomatic, and development efforts, creating a unified front against criminal and extremist organizations.

Defense and Security Efforts : The representative paid tribute to the AES Defense and Security Forces, noting their courage and sacrifices in safeguarding territories, people, and property. However, the statement emphasized that counter-terrorism must remain a regional and international effort, conducted with respect for the sovereignty of member states, strategic choices, and national interests.

Need for a New Approach to Regional Cooperation : The AES highlighted the necessity of restoring trust among West African actors and developing a common understanding of the terrorist threat. The representative called for a departure from approaches characterized by external interference, sanctions, and threats of military action, advocating instead for constructive dialogue, regional coordination, and intelligence sharing.

International Cooperation : The AES stressed that United Nations mechanisms, including the Security Council and Secretary-General, must adopt concrete, rapid, and tailored responses to terrorism. The representative criticized past UN missions, citing MINUSMA in Mali, whose mandates were unsuited to host-country security needs. The statement further underscored the need to combat terrorist financing, particularly ransom payments, and to mobilize humanitarian aid for affected populations, noting that only 14% of Sahel humanitarian needs are currently met.

Media and Information Warfare : The AES strongly denounced what it called “daily media terrorism”, accusing certain outlets of glorifying extremists and spreading propaganda to destabilize the region.

Conclusion : The representative concluded by honoring all victims of terrorism, both civilian and military, including Mariam Cissé, recently murdered by extremists. He reaffirmed the AES member states’ unwavering determination to combat terrorism and violent extremism and praised the resilience of the Sahelian people in the face of ongoing threats.