Niger’s Tchiani Meets Mali’s Military Leaders to Strengthen Sahel Alliance

Niger’s General Tiani visited Mali to meet General Goïta, strengthening the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with Burkina Faso. They discussed security, economic cooperation, and AES projects, signaling unity and a sovereign path independent of ECOWAS amid regional challenges.

Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, was warmly and formally welcomed by his Malian counterpart, General Assimi Goïta, during a high-profile working visit to Bamako on Tuesday. The reception, marked by military honors and extensive protocol, reflected not only personal camaraderie but also a deepening commitment between the two nations to strengthen the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This regional bloc, composed of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, was formed after the three countries’ departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year, signaling a strategic pivot toward closer intra-regional cooperation and mutual support.

Tiani’s visit to Mali, his second since assuming power in July 2023, was far more than a ceremonial stop. It represented a deliberate effort to advance collaborative agendas and demonstrate unity at the leadership level. The initial private meeting at Koulouba Palace allowed the two generals to discuss key issues face-to-face, setting the stage for broader ministerial engagement. Following this, top officials, including defense and finance ministers from both countries, joined the leaders for expanded talks that covered a wide range of pressing topics. Among these were strategies for tackling shared security challenges in a region plagued by insurgency, organized crime, and cross-border instability. Economic and diplomatic collaboration was also high on the agenda, with discussions aimed at harmonizing policies, boosting trade, and attracting investment to drive regional development. In addition, the leaders reviewed major AES initiatives, such as the creation of a joint military force designed to enhance collective security and the proposed Investment and Development Bank intended to support regional infrastructure and development projects.

Analysts observing the visit interpreted it as a tangible expression of a “new Sahelian geopolitics,” one in which the three AES member states are increasingly prioritizing reliance on each other over external actors. One advisor described the discussions as both a “strategic working session” and a deliberate political signal to reinforce bloc solidarity in the face of external pressures and criticism. By presenting a united front, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are signaling to their populations and the international community their commitment to pursuing a sovereign path, independent of regional institutions such as ECOWAS, which they often regard as distant or unsympathetic to their specific challenges.

The timing of this visit is especially significant given the turbulent context of the Sahel region, which faces overlapping crises, including political instability, violent extremism, humanitarian emergencies, and economic hardship. In this environment, the AES leaders’ confident stance conveys a powerful message of resilience and strategic intent. The Alliance of Sahel States is increasingly moving from a conceptual framework to a functioning regional organization, demonstrating that political will and shared objectives can drive practical outcomes even in challenging circumstances.

Despite facing formidable obstacles, the three member countries are leveraging their shared histories, cultural ties, and common challenges to redefine the political, economic, and security landscape of the Sahel. This evolving cooperation reflects a broader ambition to ensure that regional decisions are made collaboratively and in line with local priorities, rather than being imposed or heavily influenced by external entities. The determination displayed by the AES leaders underscores their commitment to fostering stability, economic growth, and mutual security, grounded in what they describe as the unwavering resolve of their peoples. This visit, therefore, represents both a symbolic and practical step toward consolidating AES’s role as a central actor in shaping the Sahel’s future.