AES: Sahel Alliance adopts groundbreaking common cultural policy

In a historic move to strengthen regional unity and cultural sovereignty, the member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday, February 4, formalizing the adoption of a shared cultural policy.

This landmark agreement represents a decisive step toward building a collective identity and preserving the rich cultural heritage of these nations, bound by centuries of shared history and traditions.

The signing of this agreement aligns with the strategic vision of the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Colonel Assimi Goïta, and General Abdourahamane Tiani—who have placed culture at the heart of the socio-economic development of the AES.

Recognizing the vital role of arts and culture in fostering social cohesion and asserting the sovereignty of their peoples, these leaders have chosen to pool their efforts to promote and safeguard the cultural wealth of the Sahel.

By making culture a cornerstone of their development, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reaffirm their commitment to their values and their determination to build a future rooted in their own civilizational foundations.

This common cultural policy serves as a robust response to the challenges of globalization while reinforcing the historical ties that unite the peoples of the AES.

The Alliance of Sahel States has taken a significant stride toward comprehensive sovereignty, positioning culture as a powerful tool for emancipation, resilience, and shared prosperity.

This initiative underscores the region’s determination to chart its own path and celebrate its unique identity in an increasingly interconnected world.

Neil CAMARA