Niamey: Malian Brigadier General Makan Alassane Diarra officially assumed leadership of the Unified Force of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) during a military ceremony held in Niamey. The event, which took place last Friday, marked the transition of command from General Daouda Traor© to General Diarra.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was conducted at Air Base 101 in the capital of Niger, under the guidance of Major General Moussa Salaou Barmou, the Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces. Barmou was representing the Chairman of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the AES during the event.

The ceremony was marked by the playing of the Confederation's official anthem, followed by the symbolic transfer of command insignia to General Diarra. This change in leadership signifies an important step in the ongoing efforts of the AES to address regional security challenges.

General Diarra succeeds General Daouda Traor©, who has been assigned new responsibilities after leading the Unified Force since its inception on December 20, 2025, in Bamako. General Traor© had been instrumental in the establishment and initial operations of the joint force.

The AES Confederation was established in September 2023 by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger with the aim of consolidating their efforts to combat terrorism, safeguard sovereignty, and promote sustainable development in the region.