AES confederation marks second anniversary with positive assessment
On the occasion of the second anniversary of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), created on July 6, 2024, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, current President of the organization, delivered a message to the nation on Sunday filled with pride and determination. He presented an assessment he himself describes as “positive and very satisfactory” regarding the implementation of the Year I roadmap.
President Ibrahim Traoré hailed results now “tangible”: considerably strengthened political cooperation between the three member states, steadily progressing diplomatic coordination, and military cooperation whose effectiveness against terrorism continues to grow.
He also saluted the leadership of Army General Assimi Goïta and the unwavering commitment of General Abdourahamane Tiani to confederal ideals, illustrating the solidity of a trio at the helm of a shared project.
The AES President did not avoid the difficulties. He denounced without detour an “economic and media war of unprecedented scale” targeting the three confederal states, pointing to disinformation campaigns and attempts to manipulate populations aimed at weakening the confederal edifice.
A salutary reminder that the regained sovereignty of the Sahel disturbs, and that vigilance must remain in place against those who refuse to accept this choice of peoples.
He nevertheless specified that the Confederation is not directed against any people or any nation, but remains a sovereign choice, focused on counterterrorism and the independence of member states.
A vibrant tribute was paid to the fighting forces and to all victims of terrorism, as well as to their families, in a region where sacrifice remains a daily reality.
For the future, the confederal head of state set an ambitious course: collective self-defence, economic integration, industrialization, energy and food sovereignty, and strengthening the free movement of people and goods within the confederal space.
These projects outline the contours of a genuine regional power emancipated from external guardianship.
On the diplomatic front, the AES continues consultations with ECOWAS, with a view to a new framework of relations based on mutual respect for sovereign choices.
The presidential message concluded with a call for unity and collective mobilization, to build, in the words of Captain Traoré, “the Sahel of peace, sovereignty, development, and shared prosperity.”
Neil CAMARA
