Bamako: The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), composed of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, is forging its own path despite security crises and political transitions. In just one year, the fledgling Confederation has established a coordinated diplomacy, centered on asserting a common voice and defending regional sovereignty.

According to Burkina Information Agency, from the moment the Founding Treaty entered into force, the three States focused on consultation. Before the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, from September 22 to 29, 2025, a meeting in Bamako helped to harmonize positions and prepare a single statement on behalf of the Confederation. "We now speak with one voice," the ministers confided, emphasizing the importance of this cohesion to have an impact on the international stage.

However, AES diplomacy is not limited to major global forums. In each capital, Heads of Mission and Foreign Ministers have established permanent consultation frameworks, guaranteeing mutual support in all diplomatic applications and initiatives. The withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was one of the most complex issues.

Meetings in Niamey, Ouagadougou, and Bamako led to the definition of a common approach, the adoption of memoranda of understanding, and the establishment of a tripartite negotiation framework. The objective: to protect the interests of the populations while preparing the Confederation to assert its regional sovereignty.

The AES is not limiting itself to regional actions. The Confederation has initiated a structured dialogue with the African Union (AU) to lift the sanctions weighing on its members, while also increasing partnerships with China, Russia, and Morocco. Within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the countries obtained a resolution favorable to the stability of the Sahel, demonstrating the progressive recognition of the Confederation on the international stage.

At the same time, the withdrawal from the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) illustrates the desire of member states to preserve their autonomy in the face of organizations they consider biased. The Confederation has made its presence felt in numerous global forums: the Lome Forum on Peace and Security, the Aswan Forum in Egypt, and the Conference on Financing for Development in Seville.

In each intervention, the AES emphasized strategic autonomy, the fight against terrorism, and the need for partnerships that respect the sovereignty of States. Confederal diplomacy also engages with the public. Awareness campaigns have targeted the diaspora and African communities, while Integration Week and the National Integration Forum have strengthened support for the Confederation's ideals. These initiatives reflect a desire to bring citizens closer to international politics and to transform diplomacy into a societal project.

For the coming year, the Confederation intends to finalize its legal instruments, continue the dialogue with ECOWAS, and harmonize its positions on major geopolitical issues. The creation of a Diaspora Forum and the coordination of migration and African integration policies are also among its priorities.

While Year One laid the foundations for effective confederal diplomacy, the AES still faces numerous challenges. However, through strategy and ambition, it is establishing itself as a full-fledged player on the regional and international stage, determined to make its voice heard for an integrated and sovereign Sahel.