The leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso convened in Bamako on Tuesday for the second Alliance of Sahel States (AES) summit, advancing cooperation in defence, security, development, communication, and counterterrorism while asserting greater autonomy from ECOWAS and Western partners.

Mali’s President Assimi Goïta hosted Niger’s Abdourahamane Tchiani and Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré (who arrived after a delay). The trio launched AES TV, a new broadcaster designed to “counter disinformation” and promote the bloc’s interests. They also reviewed progress on the recently announced joint 5,000-strong military force intended for regional interventions.

Goïta, the current AES rotating president, is expected to hand over leadership soon. Discussions emphasized reducing reliance on ECOWAS—after the bloc’s 2024 withdrawal over coup-related sanctions—while navigating ties with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) to preserve trade and movement benefits.

The summit comes amid strained relations with Western allies following France’s troop withdrawal and Russia’s growing presence through Wagner/PMC contractors. AES leaders stressed the need for self-reliant responses to jihadist insurgencies, which have displaced millions across the Sahel.

While ECOWAS has signaled openness to selective privileges, AES is pushing independent measures such as unified travel documents. Formed in 2023, the bloc’s latest summit signals deepening integration in response to ongoing instability in the region.