The Confederation of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—has begun laying the groundwork for a coordinated and sovereign air defence strategy.
The move follows the first-ever meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Air Forces of the three nations, held in Mali from 13 to 17 April 2025.
Under the rallying motto “Higher, farther, stronger—with audacity, discipline, and skill to serve and win through the skies,” the summit marked a pivotal moment in reshaping the military landscape of the Sahel.
The week-long summit unfolded in multiple phases, blending symbolic gestures with strategic discussions.
From the Malian capital Bamako to the central town of Sévaré, the three nations moved to consolidate air coordination across their shared territory.
Held initially at the Air Force General Staff headquarters in Bamako, the summit focused on evaluating current cooperation, sharing operational experiences, addressing mutual challenges, and identifying opportunities to pool resources.
The working theme, “Air Cooperation within the AES: Towards Integrated Defence and Strengthened Sovereignty”, captured the spirit of joint ambition for agile and responsive air operations across the Sahel.
The conference was complemented by visits designed to foster both cultural solidarity and operational insight.
A cultural tour in Siby, coinciding with Mali’s 2025 Year of Culture celebrations, reinforced the shared heritage and values that underpin the military bond between the three nations.
At the strategic level, a visit to Air Base 200 in Sévaré provided hands-on exposure to Mali’s operational capabilities, enhancing technical dialogue and opening new pathways for tactical cooperation.
A stop at Mali’s War College showcased the country’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of military leaders aligned with the AES’s strategic vision.
The final session, held on 17 April in the VIP lounge of Air Base 101 in Sénou, cemented the major priorities discussed throughout the summit.
Chiefs of Staff agreed on the need to establish regional maintenance hubs, adopt a unified approach in dealings with partners, and enhance mechanisms for intelligence sharing and interoperability.
The summit represents a historic milestone in the drive for a joint air defence framework.
By aligning capacities and strategic intent, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are asserting a newfound sovereignty and building the foundations for a more secure, autonomous Sahel.
“As one, we will conquer through the skies”—this is the vision AES embraces as it transforms its air forces into a unified force for regional stability and collective strength.
Source: lefaso
