AES: Bold and concrete regional integration
In a remarkable political transformation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has expanded beyond its original defense mandate to become an integrated confederation with shared institutions.
Spearheaded by Presidents Assimi Goïta of Mali, Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger, and Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, the bloc adopted a confederal charter in July 2024 and established joint governing bodies clear signals of its ambition to build a united, sovereign, and resilient Africa.
Since January 2025, citizens of the three member states have enjoyed freedom of movement under a common AES passport.
More than a travel document, it symbolizes an emerging shared Sahelian identity and lays the groundwork for regional citizenship.
Unified symbols such as a common flag and anthem further strengthen a growing sense of collective belonging. Among its most ambitious projects is a planned common currency, intended to break away from the CFA franc.
Technical experts are designing the transition, which aims to stabilize local economies and shield the region from foreign currency volatility. As General Tiani emphasized, “A currency is a sign of sovereignty” a direct challenge to neo-colonial financial structures.
The alliance is also advancing toward a customs union, aiming to harmonize tariffs and procedures by late 2025.
This economic integration seeks to cut logistical costs, boost trade, and attract investment, supported by a shared industrial strategy focused on local processing of natural resources and import substitution.
Political integration continues with the development of confederal institutions, including a joint Parliament and Council of Ministers, which will coordinate regional policies and represent the AES internationally. These steps reflect a determined move toward supranational governance and Pan-African sovereignty.
Emile YEMPABE
