The visit, Tiani’s second to Mali since taking power in July 2023, indicates the strengthening of ties within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the bloc formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following their withdrawal from ECOWAS earlier this year.
He described the backing from Niger’s Sahel neighbors as a “sacrifice,” reflecting their willingness to defend the country against external aggression.
“I came to affirm to my brother Assimi Goita and to the Malian people our gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices made. They were ready to enter a war if Niger had been attacked, and this will never be forgotten,” he said.
The day began with a private meeting at the Koulouba Palace before the two leaders were joined by their defense and finance ministers for expanded talks.
According to government officials, the agenda went well beyond symbolism, focusing on advancing the AES’s security and economic agenda at a time of heightened instability across the region.
Security cooperation takes center stage
The AES leaders placed heavy emphasis on security, pledging to accelerate efforts to operationalize a joint military force that would coordinate counterterrorism operations, intelligence-sharing, and border security.
With Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso all battling jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, the creation of a unified command structure is seen as critical to reclaiming control over large swathes of their territories.
For Goïta and Tiani, the visit provided an opportunity to show regional and international observers that the AES is more than a political alliance of convenience.
Instead, it aims to be a functional security bloc capable of reducing reliance on external partners, particularly France and ECOWAS, both of which have lost influence in the region since the military takeovers.
Building an economic future outside ECOWAS
Tiani also announced the launch of the Sahel Confederation Investment and Development Bank, noting that its headquarters and supporting structures were already in place. Discussions further explored the AES’s broader economic strategy, with the bank expected to play a central role in financing infrastructure, agriculture, and energy projects.
He added that the modalities of the bank’s operation would be finalized at the next AES summit in Bamako.
“Everything is ready, and the next meeting here will specify the details of its functioning,” he said.
By pooling resources and harmonizing policies, the AES hopes to foster self-reliance and shield member states from the economic fallout of sanctions imposed after their ECOWAS exits.
For the AES leaders, cooperation is both a survival strategy and a statement of sovereignty. While challenges remain, from financing ambitious projects to managing fragile domestic economies, the Bamako meeting highlighted their intent to deepen integration and position the AES as a new pole of influence in West Africa.
