The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) is intensifying efforts to build a unified military response to regional threats. Military experts from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met in Ouagadougou from April 8 to 11, 2025, to outline the structure and operations of a joint force—marking a significant step toward autonomous regional defense.
According to Burkina Faso’s Armed Forces General Staff, discussions focused on evaluating ongoing operations and implementing the AES Defense and Security pillar, in line with the vision of the three heads of state. The meeting follows the trio’s withdrawal from ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel, signaling their push for sovereign security solutions amid political transitions.
Ahead of the meeting, Mali’s armed forces reported several coordinated operations in the Gao region. On March 28, AES troops intercepted two suspected terrorists in Djidara, while airstrikes on March 29 targeted armed groups in Hourara and Fitilli. These actions reflect deepening military collaboration, bolstered by Turkish-made drones for surveillance and precision strikes.
This military build-up aligns with earlier remarks by Niger’s Defense Minister, General Salifou Mody, who confirmed plans for a 5,000-strong joint force equipped with air, land, and intelligence capabilities. He noted that the force would be operational “within weeks.”
The Ouagadougou talks also came amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Mali and Algeria, after Algeria downed a Malian drone and both countries shut down airspace access. In solidarity with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have recalled their ambassadors from Algiers.
© WAVN
