AES Ministers Review Second-Year Roadmap as Burkina Faso Hosts Key Regional Meeting

The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), made up of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, is working to strengthen cooperation among its members. On 11–12 November 2026, ministers from the three countries met in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Their main task was to review progress on the Confederation’s second-year roadmap. The meeting covered three key areas: security, diplomacy and economic development. It also aimed to prepare recommendations for the next meeting of the AES Heads of State. According to the Agence d’Information du Burkina (AIB), the ministers are assessing completed activities and identifying areas that need more attention. The African Press Agency (APA) also reports on the review of progress under the three main areas of cooperation.

Security remains a major concern for the three countries. Burkina Faso’s Minister of War and Patriotic Defence, General Célestin Simporé, called for closer cooperation among their armed forces. The discussions include intelligence sharing, joint military planning and stronger support for the AES Joint Force. These steps aim to improve the countries’ ability to address security threats across the Sahel. Diplomacy is another important part of the discussions. The three governments want to speak with a stronger common voice on international issues. They are also seeking partnerships that respect their independence and national interests. Meanwhile, the ministers recognise that solidarity must go beyond official statements. General Simporé pointed to cooperation between Mali and Burkina Faso in supporting the return of Burkinabe nationals from Guinea as an example of this shared commitment.

Beyond security and diplomacy, the AES is seeking stronger economic ties. The ministers discussed ways to increase trade between member states, share resources and support local industries. These efforts could help create jobs and reduce dependence on external markets. They could also give the three countries greater control over their natural resources. The official Burkina Faso government communication, distributed through APO Group, outlines the purpose of the joint ministerial review. However, the success of the Confederation will depend on what these plans deliver in practice. Stronger security, better trade links and improved living conditions must become visible results for ordinary people. As Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger move into the third year of their partnership, the challenge is to turn their shared political vision into lasting progress across the Sahel.