Alliance of Sahel States

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is a security pact formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These nations, all currently under military rule, are grappling with escalating security challenges, particularly the advance of armed groups linked to al-Qaeda. The AES aims to foster cooperation and collective defense against these threats. The alliance is newsworthy due to the ongoing instability in the Sahel region and the AES's attempts to address it. Recent events include a summit in Bamako, Mali, where leaders discussed strategies to curb the advance of armed groups and the launch of a joint battalion. Gunfire and blasts were also recently reported at the airport in Niamey, Niger, highlighting the volatile security situation. The AES's relevance lies in its potential to reshape regional security dynamics and its increasing ties with Russia, amid strained relations with Western powers.