What is the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)?
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is a new confederation formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — three Sahelian countries in West Africa that left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in early 2025 due to disagreements over governance, sanctions, and sovereignty issues.
Amani Africa +1
The bloc began as a mutual defense pact to respond collectively to security threats like jihadist insurgencies, insecurity, and border instability that have long plagued the region.
In December 2025, the Alliance officially launched a multinational military force consisting of about 5,000 troops drawn from the three member states. This is designed to provide a joint security capability for combating extremism and safeguarding borders.
The force is usually referred to as the Force Unifiée de l’AES (FU-AES).
It integrates ground troops, intelligence coordination, and command structures to operate jointly across the region.
Headquarters and central command are based in Niamey (Niger).
It reflects a shift to regional ownership of security rather than reliance on external partners.
This is widely seen as the biggest concrete step toward operational autonomy for the alliance to date.
AES leaders have also launched AES Television, a new media outlet intended to:
Boost regional communication and shared information,
Counter disinformation and narratives they see as hostile or misleading,
Provide a platform for promoting the bloc’s goals and viewpoints. The station was inaugurated during a summit in Bamako, Mali, by the heads of state of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Economic Integration and the Bank
The Alliance is establishing its own financial structures, including a confederal bank aimed at supporting regional development and investment.
According to financial reporting, a Confederal Bank for Investment and Development has been created with substantial initial capital and is focused on financing infrastructure and key economic projects.
While some online claims suggest a new common currency has already been launched, that is not accurate. Plans for a shared currency are aspirational and long-term, but current currencies (including the CFA franc) remain in use.
One Passport System
AES governments have introduced a joint passport system for the three member states, another step toward easing cross-border movement and deeper integration. This initiative has begun rolling out as part of broader plans for regional unity.
AES’ actions are part of a broader geopolitical shift in West Africa:
1. Withdrawal from ECOWAS
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew from ECOWAS in 2025 after sanctions and political disagreements, marking a major moment in regional politics.
2. Shift Away from Western Influence
AES leaders frequently criticize Western powers, especially France, and emphasize self-reliance and sovereignty.
3. Security First
The military alliance is seen as a response to decades of jihadist violence that international efforts have struggled to contain.
Challenges the AES Faces
Despite these initiatives, the Alliance still faces major hurdles:
Security remains unstable in parts of the Sahel because of ongoing insurgencies.
Economic constraints and limited access to international financial markets complicate funding for large projects like the confederal bank.
International relations, including tensions with neighboring countries and sanctions from other regional blocs, continue to shape AES dynamics.
How It Compares to ECOWAS
ECOWAS — established in 1975 — aims for regional economic integration and collective security, but has faced criticism for:
Slow progress on tangible institutions like sovereign media platforms or unified military forces,
Internal disagreements among member states,
Challenges mediating political instability.
In contrast, AES is newer and still developing its institutions — but it is rapidly launching concrete tools for cooperation.
Summary: Key AES Developments
✔ Creation of a formal military alliance with a unified force
✔ Launch of AES Television and media outlets
✔ Establishment of confederal financial structures
✔ Introduction of a passport system
✔ Withdrawal from ECOWAS — major political realignment
