AES/First Summit of Heads of State: Presidents of Faso and Mali expected in Niamey
On Saturday, July 6, 2024, the first summit of the heads of state of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) will be held in Niamey, the capital of Niger. This information was made public on Friday, July 5, on the eve of this historic and high-level meeting.
In light of this, the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim TRAORE, and his counterpart from Mali, Colonel Assimi GOÏTA, are scheduled to arrive this afternoon on Friday, July 5. This visit marks their first official trip to Niger since assuming office. Niamey authorities are preparing a warm welcome for their counterparts and their respective delegations.
A call for massive mobilization has been issued to the Nigerien population to warmly receive their revolutionary hosts and leaders at the Diori Hamani Airport in Niamey and along the route to the Presidential Palace. The agenda for this inaugural meeting of the three AES state leaders includes tripartite cooperation focusing on counterterrorism, socio-economic development, integration, and diplomacy.
The three presidents are also expected to finalize work on various initiatives, including the establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States, the creation of a joint military force and headquarters among the three countries’ armies, the establishment of an investment bank, a common stabilization fund, and even a joint airline.
Decisions expected at this first summit of AES heads of state could accelerate the operationalization of AES, including decisions on the headquarters country, various organs, and the institutional framework necessary for the organization to effectively commence its activities.
