Confederation of Sahel States Opens First Confederal Council of Ministers Session

Bamako, December 20, 2025 - The first confederal session of the Council of Ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) officially opened on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Koulouba Palace in Bamako, under the chairmanship of General Assimi Goïta, President of Mali’s Transition, Head of State, and President of the AES Confederation. Following the opening ceremony, proceedings continued at the Bamako International Conference Center, where ministerial work is being conducted under the leadership of Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister and Head of Government of Mali. This landmark confederal session brings together ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger for strategic consultations aimed at strengthening the institutional and operational foundations of the newly established Confederation of Sahel States. Held over two days, the meeting serves as a preparatory step for the second ordinary session of the College of Heads of State of the AES. Ministers are expected to examine several key documents, including: A draft report on the implementation of the first-year Roadmap of the Confederation; A draft report on the state of discussions between the AES and ECOWAS; Draft legal instruments designed to enhance the effectiveness and cohesion of the Confederation. Presidents Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger are expected in Bamako for this high-level gathering, which will culminate in the second session of the College of Heads of State. The upcoming session will provide an opportunity to assess progress in defense, diplomacy, and development, while outlining new strategic directions to respond to the aspirations of the peoples of the Sahel for peace, security, and shared prosperity.