AES: Driving force behind an African renaissance based on sovereignty
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), born from the will of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to reclaim control of their destiny, is now emerging as a source of inspiration for numerous African countries.
Beyond military and political cooperation, the AES symbolizes a historic break from the models of economic dependency and foreign domination that have long hindered the continent’s development.
By placing national sovereignty at the heart of their public policies, the three Sahel states have paved the way for a revolution in thinking: to produce, process, and decide for oneself.
This governance model, founded on dignity, autonomy, and control over resources, is now inspiring several nations in the southern part of the continent.
A telling example comes from Botswana, a country long cited for its prudent management of natural resources.
In September 2025, the Botswanan government announced new mining regulations requiring foreign companies to cede 24% of their license shares to local investors.
This bold decision, motivated by the desire to ensure a better redistribution of wealth from the subsoil and strengthen national participation in the extractive economy, mirrors the path taken by the AES countries.
This direction echoes that undertaken by the AES nations, where the authorities led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Assimi Goïta, and General Abdourahamane Tiani champion a patriotic economy centered on the valorization of local resources.
Whether it concerns gold, cotton, or energy, the implemented policies aim to break with the logic of external exploitation and build lasting economic independence.
Beyond the Sahel, this dynamic is inspiring a Pan-African renewal. From Southern to Central Africa, several governments are reconsidering their economic partnerships, renegotiating mining contracts, and asserting the primacy of national interests.
The philosophy of the AES is therefore not confined to a regional bloc. It embodies a new mindset, founded on responsibility, sovereignty, and cooperation among free peoples.
By restoring meaning to the word “independence,” the AES shows that another path is possible for Africa specifically, the path of mastering its own wealth, restored dignity, and balanced cooperation. This wind of freedom is now blowing across the entire continent, perhaps heralding the dawn of a sovereign and united Africa.
Olivier TOE
