Historic Ceremony Marks the Formalization of the Confederation of the Peoples of the Alliance of Sahel States

The formalization ceremony of the Confederation of the Peoples of the Alliance of Sahel States (CP-AES) took place on September 16, 2024, at the Bamako International Conference Center in Mali.

The people of the three AES countries have officially given birth to the CP-AES, with the signing of official documents by the coordinators of the three countries. This milestone marks the culmination of a journey that began with the signing of the Liptako Gourma Charter on September 16, 2023, in Bamako, which gave rise to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

A first summit held on July 6 in Niamey, Niger, saw the presidents of the three member countries sign the AES Confederation charter. The executive forces of these three countries, including civil society organizations and religious leaders, have now established the CP-AES to give more strength to this organization.

The initiative came from the Collaborative for the Military Defense of Mali and several other pan-African civil society organizations from Burkina and Niger. The CP-AES aims to promote the integration of peoples, pan-African values, and fight against imperialism of all kinds and non-interference in internal affairs.

Key Figures Share Their Thoughts

Awa Nawale, CP-AES coordinator of Niger, read the solemn formalization statement, emphasizing the organization’s goals and values. Baba Tangar, CP-AES coordinator of Mali, described the ceremony as a starting point for the recognition of the structure, while Youssoufou Ouattara, CP-AES coordinator of Burkina Faso, acknowledged that the hardest work begins now.

A Vibrant Atmosphere at the Bamako International Conference Center

The meeting was held at the Bamako International Conference Center (CICB), which was packed with people from the three countries. The mobilization was significant, with large numbers of the populations of the three countries participating in the event. Several artists performed before the signing of the CP-AES Charter, including Couple Mondial, Fadouba from Burkina, and Koko Dembelé from Mali.

Burkinabè Delegation Receives Warm Welcome

The delegation of Burkina Faso arrived in Bamako on the evening of Sunday, September 15, 2024, and was received with hospitality. The delegation, comprising civil society leaders, representatives of traditional chiefs, artists, and others, was taken to the headquarters of the Cooperation for the Defense of the Army (CDM) and then to a residence in the square. The Burkinabè delegation was delighted with the warm welcome from their Malian brothers.