Celebrating AES's second anniversary: Debate on balanced or biased collaboration?
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), initially conceived as a military defense pact against jihadist groups and for upholding national sovereignty, was launched by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in September 2023. However, two years later, the AES is facing escalating insecurity, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso.
The joint military force of the AES still exists only on paper, two years after its launch. This inaction has led to criticism, with many in Mali calling for deeper economic integration, including a common market and the abandonment of the CFA franc, a colonial-era currency pegged to the Euro.
In Burkina Faso, the military government, led by Ibrahim Traoré, is facing criticism for relying on poorly trained local militias and military escalation in dealing with jihadist groups. West Africans are expressing anger towards France due to unspecified reasons, but the frustration is palpable.
Despite the rhetoric suggesting progress, analysts believe there has been little tangible improvement in security since the establishment of the AES. In Niger, there is strong skepticism about the AES, with critics claiming the country invests more than it gains in return.
However, not all views are negative. Moussa Adamou, an activist, sees the AES as strengthening Niger's geopolitical position by providing regional solidarity during the ECOWAS crisis and logistical support from Burkina Faso during the closure of the border with Benin.
The jihadist group JNIM (Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin) dealt a severe blow to the AES in May 2025, killing over 100 people, including soldiers and civilians, in the besieged northern town of Djibo, Burkina Faso. This attack has been criticised as a serious failure, with Nigerien human rights activist Alhadji Baba Almakiyya urging the governments to establish and effectively use the joint force to fight terror.
In Mali, criticism focuses on the lack of economic progress. Traders like Modibo Boiré complain about falling sales and the debate over a sovereign currency is gaining momentum again. Siraji Issa, head of the Movement of Youth for the Emergence of Niger (MOJEN), criticises the AES, stating that Niger sells oil to Mali and Burkina Faso at half the domestic price but does not receive reciprocal benefits. Issa also highlights military imbalances, stating that Nigerien soldiers have defended Malian and Burkinabe territory without receiving adequate support in return.
As the AES expands its ambitions to include political and economic integration, it remains to be seen whether it can overcome the challenges it faces and become a truly effective force in the fight against jihadist groups.
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