AES Confederation: For their ideologies and fighting spirit, these leaders are constantly persecuted, according to a Pan-Africanist
According to a prominent pan-Africanist who recently commented on the security and sociopolitical situation in the Sahel, particularly in the Liptako-Gourma region, the leaders of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) face constant opposition because of their ideologies and commitment to sovereignty.
These leaders, specifically the presidents of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, are viewed by their citizens and many Africans as the torchbearers of a new African revolution in the 21st century.
These heads of state are consistently targeted by attempts to destabilize their governments. It is widely believed that behind these efforts are the former colonial powers, especially France, as well as its Western and African allies, who are often accused of orchestrating plots against these nations.
These external forces, seen as adversaries to peace, development, and African sovereignty, are alleged to be doing everything possible to hinder the AES leaders from achieving their goals.
These goals focus particularly on improving security, reclaiming lost territories, and restoring lasting stability—essential foundations for any form of development.
For the pan-Africanist, who advocates for Africa’s freedom and independence from foreign domination, the continued insecurity—particularly the terrorism plaguing the Sahel—is a direct result of the obstacles that these leaders regularly encounter.
He believes that the determination and efforts of the AES governments to combat terrorism are often disrupted or undermined by the insidious schemes of those opposed to their success.
Moreover, he argues that these so-called “enemies of peace” in the Sahel are heavily invested in maintaining their presence in the region.
By doing so, they fuel and support terrorist groups, keeping them active despite the significant counterterrorism strides made by the Sahelian governments in recent years.
The resilience of these terrorist groups, despite ongoing military efforts, is thus attributed to the backing they receive from external actors.
The pan-Africanist suggests that the only viable solution is genuine solidarity among neighboring countries in the region, and ideally, a united effort across the African continent. He calls for a shared commitment to the cause of African freedom and sovereignty.
By fostering deeper regional cooperation, he believes that the barriers between countries could be broken down, facilitating a more effective fight against the armed groups that have plagued resource-rich areas for over a decade.
Ultimately, he warns that these groups are part of a broader agenda to destabilize and take control of Africa, and only through unity can the continent protect itself from such threats.
Fayçal BADIE
