AES: Towards a sovereign re-founding of the Sahel through a confederal parliament
In a decisive move toward deeper integration, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso is laying the groundwork for a Confederal Parliament. This landmark initiative signals a bold departure from inherited governance models and reflects a shared commitment to political and economic renewal based on regional sovereignty.
The recent meeting of legislative leaders from the three member states, hosted by Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, President of the Burkina Faso Legislative Assembly, was more than diplomatic routine: it was a foundational step toward institutionalizing a new era of collective governance.
The gathering aimed to finalize draft texts that will establish the parliament as a central body of the AES.
This future institution is designed to amplify the voices of the Sahelian peoples and strengthen democratic representation at a confederal level.
It will serve as a platform for harmonizing public policies, coordinating resource management, and fostering mutual support in key sectors such as security, education, infrastructure, and health.
Beyond its legislative function, the parliament embodies a broader vision: to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Sahel, free from external interference.
It represents a conscious shift toward Pan-African solidarity and home-grown solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges, including terrorism and economic fragility.
As General Malick Diaw emphasized, this effort marks a turning point toward a renewed and context-sensitive form of democracy.
By creating this supranational body, the AES is not only enhancing regional cohesion but also forging a tool for collective action one capable of mobilizing its citizens around a common vision of stability, development, and sovereignty.
Maurice K. ZONGO
