Mali assumes presidency of Sahel states alliance as investment bank is launched

The summit, held at the Mahatma Gandhi Conference Centre, commenced with speeches from the three heads of state, all in military attire.

“The presidency of the AES will rotate, with Mali taking the helm,” declared the Niamey Summit. It was also announced that the next Heads of State Summit will take place in 2025, with the exact date to be determined through diplomatic channels.

Burkina Faso was selected to host the first conference of the Alliance’s parliamentarians.

Beyond its military objectives, the Summit revealed plans to establish an AES investment bank and a stabilization fund.

Furthermore, AES ministers were directed to enhance the free movement of people and goods to mitigate the impact of the withdrawal from ECOWAS.

The final communiqué outlined directives for developing shared infrastructure in energy, agriculture, and logistics.

At the opening of the summit, Captain Ibrahim Traoré set a defiant tone, condemning “local lackeys of imperialism, salon slaves, and elites trained to follow the master’s orders.”

He concluded his speech with the rallying cry of “The homeland or death, we shall overcome,” in homage to Captain Thomas Sankara. Colonel Assimi Goïta expressed a vision for a unified AES population moving freely without bureaucratic hindrances.

This historic gathering underscored the Alliance’s commitment to economic collaboration and regional stability, setting a proactive agenda for the coming years.

The creation of the AES investment bank is anticipated to be a cornerstone in financing key projects across the member states, fostering sustainable development, and reinforcing the Sahel region’s resilienc