The Malian capital, Bamako, has hosted a groundbreaking gathering of humanitarian leaders from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), marking what participants described as a “new era” in the region’s crisis response.
From 7 to 9 August 2025, ministers responsible for humanitarian affairs from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — joined by representatives from Mauritania, Chad and Togo — met alongside key humanitarian and financial partners to chart a common path for tackling the Sahel’s complex emergencies.
Convened under the high patronage of Mali’s transitional president and current AES chair, Army General Assimi Goïta, the forum focused on “Humanitarian policies and financing mechanisms for humanitarian action in the AES space: Issues, Challenges and Perspectives.”
It was guided by a shared vision of sovereign humanitarian action, championed by the three AES heads of state: Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, Army General Assimi Goïta of Mali, and Army General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger.
Over three days, delegates delivered a frank assessment of the region’s humanitarian needs, from food insecurity to displacement, while sharing experiences and formulating practical strategies for a coordinated response rooted in local leadership.
Key commitments emerging from the forum included the creation of an AES humanitarian consultation framework for planning, dialogue and knowledge-sharing, the integration of climate, security, peace and development considerations into all relief operations, and the mobilisation of diversified funding sources — including contributions from the private sector and diaspora.
Participants also agreed to strengthen community-led approaches, ensure accountability to affected populations, and implement proactive measures to address climate, health and security crises.
Plans were set to promote sustainable solutions for internally displaced people, refugees and host communities, and to pool and share best practices to reinforce national and regional strategies.
Reaffirming respect for humanitarian principles and the sovereignty of member states, the ministers pledged to act “by ourselves, for ourselves, and with ourselves,” placing local communities at the centre of decision-making.
Closing the forum, ministers praised the quality of the discussions, the support of international partners, and Mali’s warm hospitality, committing to build a more resilient, united and self-reliant Sahel.
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