AES At the Centre Of Talks As Niger’s Tiani Visits Mali

The President of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, paid a working and friendship visit to Mali on Tuesday, underscoring the growing strength of bilateral ties within the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS). Upon his arrival at Modibo Keïta-Senou International Airport, he was received by Mali’s Transitional President and Head of State, General Assimi Goïta, who also serves as President of the CSS.

The two leaders held a private meeting at the Koulouba Palace before their delegations joined for broader discussions. The visit reaffirmed the deep historical and strategic bonds uniting Mali and Niger, founding members of the Confederation of Sahel States in 2024.

General Tiani was accompanied by General Salifou Mody, Niger’s Minister of State for Defence, and Salim Mahamadou Gado, Chief of Staff to the President. On the Malian side, the talks were attended by Defence Minister General Sadio Camara, Finance Minister Alousséni Sanou, and Mossa Ag Attaher, Minister for Malians Abroad and African Integration, alongside other senior officials.

In his remarks, General Tiani recalled the solidarity displayed by Mali and Burkina Faso during the attempted isolation of Niger in 2023, emphasising that the unity of the Sahel nations had proven resilient in the face of external pressures. He expressed gratitude to the peoples of Mali, Burkina Faso, and the broader Sahel for their commitment to sovereignty and dignity.

Highlighting the institutional progress of the CSS, Tiani outlined the three main pillars of the confederation: defence and security, diplomacy, and development. He announced that the joint military force is now operational, with its headquarters in Niamey and battalions actively engaged in bilateral and multilateral operations. On the diplomatic front, the CSS now presents a unified position at major international platforms. On the economic side, preparations for the Confederation’s Investment and Development Bank have been finalised, with its launch scheduled to take place soon in Bamako.

The Nigerien leader described the Sahel’s integration project as a “revolution driven by the people themselves,” calling it a historic turning point that promises stability, sovereignty, and prosperity for the region.

During this visit, Mali and Niger reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation and consolidating the achievements of the CSS in the service of peace, security, and development for all Sahelian peoples.

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