Bamako: The Malian capital, Bamako, is set to host over 500 athletes and coaches from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as announced by Burkinabe Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment Roland Somda during a press conference in Ouagadougou. The event will take place from June 21 to 28, bringing together participants from the three AES member countries.

According to Burkina Information Agency, athletes will compete in nine disciplines, including football, traditional wrestling, arm wrestling, archery, athletics, and martial arts such as karate do, kung fu wushu, judo, and taekwondo. The football category will feature U17 competitors, providing Burkina Faso an opportunity to scout talent in preparation for their participation in the upcoming World Cup. The various sports federations will collaborate to determine the specific categories for other events.

Each participating country will contribute 91 athletes, along with coaches and officials, to the competition. The Burkinabe delegation alone will consist of 130 individuals, including athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters. Overall, the event is expected to draw more than 20,000 people from the three countries, with the number potentially rising due to the presence of the host country and various communities in Mali.

Minister Roland Somda expressed that the AES Games aim to strengthen ties among Sahelian youth, promote peace, solidarity, and sporting excellence, while also providing a platform for civic expression and emulation. He emphasized the strategic role of sports in fostering cohesion, integration, and mobilization of young people in a rapidly evolving regional context. The initiative reflects the AES authorities' commitment to the sustainable integration of Sahelian youth through sports.

The Burkinabe Minister of Sports also extended an invitation to the people of the Sahel to support their teams in this endeavor. The press conference was held concurrently with other member countries of the confederation.