ASHENEWS reports that the West African Francophone countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republics have held their first meeting under the confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
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The leaders of these nations met in Niamey on July 6, 2024, for the first summit of the AES, marking a significant step towards their collective goal of achieving genuine peace and sustainable development.
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Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso, expressed optimism about the new alliance. “Alongside my peers, their Excellencies General Tiani and Colonel Goita, I am participating in the first summit of the Alliance of Sahel States. This summit marks a crucial step for the future of our common space,” he stated on his X account.
President Traoré emphasized the importance of this union in consolidating the foundations of true independence, which he believes is essential for ensuring lasting peace and development.
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He highlighted the region’s abundant natural resources, which, if harnessed effectively, could secure a prosperous future for the people of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The AES aims to leverage these resources and the combined efforts of its member states to foster stability and growth in the Sahel region.