The AES, a mechanism for collective defense and combating terrorism, according to the Malian president

The President of the Republic of Mali, Colonel Assimi Goïta, indicated yesterday Sunday that the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has established, in the region, a new era of collective defense mechanism and mutual assistance to combat terrorism.'On September 16, 2023, we (the heads of state of Burkina, Mali and Niger) adopted the Liptako-Gourma Charter, giving birth to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES),' declared Malian President Colonel Assimi Goïta.Colonel Goïta, current president of the Confederation of Sahel States, spoke yesterday Sunday on the occasion of the celebration of year I of the AES, bringing together Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.According to the Malian head of state, this union of the three countries marks a new geopolitical era in the region, by establishing a mechanism of collective defense and mutual assistance to combat terrorism and fight against organized crime which undermines their respective societies."Thanks to this strategic alliance, our defense and security forces have re corded important victories on the ground, considerably weakening the armed terrorist groups," he said.Listening to him, the celebration of this first anniversary of the Alliance is an opportunity to take stock of the progress made in the areas of security and defense to face the multiple challenges in the Sahel region.Assimi Goïta noted that Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani and himself, through the Confederation, took the decision to expand cooperation to two essential pillars: diplomacy and development."This orientation stems from our desire for a strong political union, anchored in peace, security and sustainable development, allowing us to act in a coordinated manner on the international scene," he added.He also stressed that the institution, in its dynamic of independence and regained sovereignty, remains open to cooperation with brotherly and friendly peoples, in a spirit of fraternity and mutual respect."We advocate an ESA that is not only an alliance of states, b ut above all an alliance of peoples," said Colonel Goïta.The AES is a mutual defense pact concluded between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso on September 16, 2023.On July 6, 2024, during the first AES summit, the three heads of state established a Confederation of Sahel States.Source: Burkina Information Agency