AES/ Historic moment as Burkina Faso raises AES flag alongside national colors
In a landmark ceremony at the Koulouba Palace, Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, presided over the official unveiling of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) flag and anthem, marking a bold step forward for the regional alliance.
For the first time, Burkina Faso’s national flag flew beside the newly adopted AES standard, while the alliance’s anthem, “Sahel Benkan” (meaning “The Sahel’s Unity” in Bamanakan), was performed by the Presidential Honor Guard’s band.
The anthem, composed of three verses, pays tribute to the Sahel’s heroic past, its peoples’ resilience, and their shared vision of sovereignty and solidarity.
In his address, President Traoré condemned neocolonial interference aimed at undermining the AES, declaring that the alliance would emerge stronger from the imposed challenges.
“Despite imperialist obstacles, we will prevail,” he asserted, urging Burkinabe citizens to remain steadfast in building a prosperous future within the confederation.
Far from symbolic, the AES has rapidly transformed into a functional political and military bloc.
In just months, the alliance comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger has established a unified flag, anthem, an upcoming investment bank, a regional court, and an operational joint military force combating terrorism.
This progress underscores the member states’ determination to reclaim their sovereignty, free from external influence. The AES continues to advance, signaling a new era of self-determination for the Sahel.
Neil CAMARA
