Diplomatic Coordination Meeting Among AES Member States in Mali
Summary
Top diplomats from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso convened in Bamako to discuss strategies for improved diplomatic coordination within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This meeting follows their establishment of a confederation aimed at countering terrorism and promoting stability amidst ongoing security challenges in the region. Key focus areas included the development of operational documents and collaboration on both bilateral and multilateral issues.
In Bamako, Mali, top diplomats from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso convened to strategize on diplomatic coordination within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The meeting, held on Monday, was attended by Abdoulaye Diop of Mali, Jean Marie Karamoko Traore of Burkina Faso, and Bakary Yaou Sangare of Niger. Importantly, this gathering followed a series of preparatory discussions that commenced the prior Friday. Seydou Coulibaly, general secretary of Mali’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized the roles of the diplomats in developing and validating documents necessary for the operationalization of the AES Confederation. Over the recent weekend, Coulibaly hosted senior officials from the member nations to facilitate this engagement. The AES was established by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger on September 16 of last year as a response to escalating security threats from extremist groups in the region. Following a coup in Niger in July, these nations opted out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had considered military intervention in the matter. With a collective population of approximately 72 million, these countries face significant instability due to terrorist activities. This meeting comes in light of a joint summit held earlier this year in Niamey, during which the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a confederation aimed at tackling regional security issues through coordinated military and diplomatic efforts. Discussions during the recent meeting also included bilateral and multilateral diplomatic strategies and the establishment of perspectives towards achieving the desired objectives in the foreseeable future.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is a coalition formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, three countries grappling with significant security challenges from militant groups. This alliance emerged following a series of coups that led to military regimes in these states. The creation of the AES signified a strategic move away from traditional regional alliances like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly after ECOWAS’s threats of military intervention following unrest in Niger. The AES aims to foster close military cooperation and diplomatic alignment among its members to address the growing threats posed by terrorism and enhance political stability in the Sahel region.
In conclusion, the meeting of the top diplomats from the Alliance of Sahel States underscores a concerted effort among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to strengthen their diplomatic and military collaboration in the face of pervasive security threats. The successful operationalization of the AES Confederation is poised to have significant implications for regional stability and the overarching strategic vision for the involved nations in the coming years.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
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