New York:The diaspora of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in the United States and Canada has reiterated its support for the ongoing initiatives within the confederation. This reaffirmation came during a meeting held on September 27, 2026, in New York with foreign ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the gathering included Burkinabe, Malian, and Nigerien nationals from various parts of the United States and Canada. They expressed a strong commitment to the AES authorities and a desire to further contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.
Ministers Karamoko Jean Marie Traor©, Abdoulaye Diop, and Bakary Yaou Sangar© highlighted significant achievements in security and development within the confederation. They discussed the political progress directed by the sovereignist vision of the ESA Confederation's heads of state, including the operationalization of the Unified Force, the functioning of the media and ESA bank, coordinated diplomatic efforts, and the establishment of the ESA Parliament.
The ministers commended the diaspora community for its mobilization and contributions toward these accomplishments. During the meeting, participants expressed their satisfaction with the Confederation's leadership, which they believe has helped restore the dignity of Sahelians. They pledged their unwavering and unconditional support to the ESA authorities.
The diaspora encouraged confederation leaders to consider monetary sovereignty and to create conditions favorable for diaspora investment and the integration of its expertise into development policies. Relations between the AES and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were also a topic of discussion. The ministers assured that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS is final, aiming instead for a partnership based on a clear legal framework prioritizing West African peoples' interests.
Discussions also addressed communication strategies for the AES, urging nationals to counteract perceived misinformation against the Confederation. The ministers called for unity and solidarity among the community through associations, embassies, and consulates and advocated for coordination among diaspora delegates to strengthen mobilization around AES challenges.
Kassoum Coulibaly, representing the ambassadors and consuls general of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in the United States, praised the strong turnout of nationals, viewing it as evidence of their enduring connection to their homeland despite the geographical distance.