AES/Defense and Security : Joint force soon to be operational
The joint force of the three member countries of the Sahel States Alliance (AES) will soon be operational to address security challenges in the Sahelian region threatened by terrorism. The announcement was made following the proceedings of the first meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the AES armies, held in Niamey last week.
According to the conclusions of the military authorities’ meeting, presented by the Chief of Staff of the Niger Armed Forces, General Moussa Salaou Barmou, an operational concept has finally been developed to achieve the objectives set by the highest authorities of the AES countries in the fight against terrorism and any form of threat to the common space.
This follows several days of exchanges and reflections carried out by all stakeholders involved in defense and security in the three member countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger). According to the top military officials of the AES, the joint force will be operational in the shortest possible time, in order to put an end to terrorist groups that hinder the flourishing of peoples and the effective development of their states.
The ambition of the AES leaders, clearly outlined in the Liptako-Gourma Charter, is to eliminate terrorism, in order to make the three-border area a zone of prosperity in peace and security, for the benefit of their peoples. This requires a concerted effort to make the strike against enemies even more powerful.
The establishment of this joint force for the AES demonstrates the will and determination of the authorities to respond to the aspirations of the populations and to create the conditions for harmonious development of community integration, to guarantee their real independence, and to preserve their dignity.
