AES (Alliance of Sahel States) and the move away from ECOWAS

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I’m starting this thread with a place holder, because changes in the Sahel region are growing, and hopefully will continue in the positive manner that it is happening.

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The compelling case for Togo to join the AES, not at any cost, not at the cost of AES's security :

Africa: Togo’s membership of AES, a strategic choice

Togo’s accession to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) would be a strategic move, bringing benefits not only to Togo but also to the entire Sahel region. It would help invigorate regional cooperation, thereby creating an environment conducive to prosperity and shared growth for all member countries.
By joining this alliance, Togo would express its solidarity with other African nations in the face of current global challenges. In a world where external powers exert increasing pressure on African countries, unity becomes imperative.

The AES would represent an ideal framework for Sahel nations to defend their common interests and safeguard their sovereignty against these external influences.

For Togo, this membership would provide an opportunity to actively participate in shaping Africa’s future by contributing to collective decisions and expressing its own aspirations.

In short, Togo’s integration into the AES would be much more than simply joining a regional group. It would be a step towards strengthening the country’s position within the region and beyond, while supporting the emergence of a united, free, and prosperous Africa.

The AES would thus serve as a model of cooperation based on mutual aid and the spirit of solidarity—essential elements for sustainable development and stability across Africa.

What we are seeing with Togolese public opinion, is the aspirations of African youth for greater sovereignty pushing the nation towards the Alliance of States (AES). No one can stop this force, not even the President can resist it.

https://x.com/cecild84/status/1882074045849420153

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How the AES started,
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Breaking 🚨 - The AES officially withdraws from ECOWAS.

Burkina Faso 🇧🇫, Mali 🇲🇱 and Niger 🇳🇪 in a joint statement have officially announced their withdrawal from this useless, corrupt and hijacked organization called
@ecowas_cedeao
. Here is what @Colonel_Maiga is reading:

“Eager to achieve integration between the States of the sub-region and driven by the motives of fraternity, solidarity, mutual aid, peace and development, Their Excellencies General Aboubacar Sangoulé Lamizana, General Moussa Traoré and Lieutenant -Colonel Seyni Kountché, respectively Heads of State of Upper Volta (current Burkina Faso), Mali and Niger, created with twelve (12) of their peers, on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

After 49 years of existence, the valiant people of Burkina, Mali and Niger note with great regret, bitterness and great disappointment that their Organization has moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and from Pan-Africanism. Furthermore, ECOWAS, under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to its member states and its populations whose happiness it is supposed to ensure.

Indeed, the organization has not provided assistance to our States in the context of our existential fight against terrorism and insecurity; worse, when these States decided to take their destiny into their own hands, it adopted an irrational and unacceptable posture by imposing illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions in violation of its own texts; all things which have further weakened populations already bruised by years of violence imposed by instrumentalized and remote-controlled terrorist hordes.

Faced with this continuing situation, Their Excellencies, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Colonel Assimi Goïta and Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani, respectively Heads of State of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, taking all their responsibilities in the face of history and responding to the expectations, concerns and aspirations of their populations, decide in complete sovereignty on the immediate withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States.

Done in Ouagadougou, Bamako and Niamey, January 28th, 2024.”

Now, this withdrawal has so many implications given we have our foreign nationals within ECOWAS and they also do have theirs in our three states. This will mean that the AES must quickly form the confederation with its single currency and a passport common to our three countries since we will no longer be able to use the ECOWAS passport.

If you see that this joint declaration has been made, it means that our common currency might even be ready already. ECOWAS is for economic integration even if they aspire to be a federal political entity in the long run. But it is clear that they are now corrupt and working against Africa. As I’m writing this,
@officialABAT
,
@AOuattara_PRCI
and the Algerian army chief of staff are all in Paris to see how to destabilize the AES. So what is the point of remaining in such a dead organization which has been hijacked by the imperialists? This withdrawal was predictable and long awaited.

Man, this is the biggest news we have been looking and waiting for! This is going to be good. What a joy! What a happy day! Oh how I’m bursting with joy and happiness! Now, it’s time to move on with our confederation! Let’s go to work brave
@GoitaAssimi

@CapitaineIb226
, General Tiani,
@ChoguelKMaiga

@AppolinaireJoa
@Colonel_Maiga
@AbdoulayeDiop8
. Be strong and courageous! We stand by you! Long live the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)! One love ❤️!

https://x.com/marcus_herve/status/1751614927431745988

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[Ravenlocke]

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🇲🇱🇧🇫🇳🇪Tens of Thousands of AES first and Second generation citizens residing in Paris, took to the streets, to profess their support for the AES, and to protest against France's destabilising activities.

These are the real AES people , not those paid foreign looking people that marched against AES withdrawal from ECOWAS in Paris, last week.

https://x.com/cecild84/status/1880669246897967280

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#Niger , #Burkina Faso and #Mali , these three countries led by the military and forming the AES have decided to join forces within a common army of 5000 soldiers to face the recurring and deadly attacks by terrorists in #Sahel .

https://x.com/JTAtv5monde/status/1882171780212703434

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🇧🇫”All those who dream of seeing Burkina Faso on its knees to hope to bring us back into slavery must understand that they have failed.”

Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traore gave an address on the country’s Republic Day and vowed that the country will not bend to foreign meddling and attacks. Burkina Faso is part of the recently formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) along with Niger and Mali, which seeks to defend the region against French and Western neo-colonialist and imperialist ambitions and promote sovereign development in the region that was pillaged by such powers for decades.

https://x.com/peoplesdispatch/status/1867596168017891542

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🚨🇲🇱 - Malian PM on stolen gold from Mali.

Our brave and brilliant Malian PM
@ChoguelKMaiga
has something to say about stolen gold from Mali 🇲🇱. Hear him out:

“They forgot about the north. They created a State, military bases, they exploited the gold, exported it. Recently, I saw in the stock exchange of one the OECD countries that went to expose its gold it claimed to have imported it form Mali 🇲🇱.

When I came back to calculate the value compared to what is said to have been exported from Mali 🇲🇱, you know what, the difference amounts to the budget of the Malian State 🤯😱. It has been stolen by individuals. And all this, they did it under the cover of “DEMOCRACY”.

This means that the AES, if it is well managed, citizens will live much better. You have 2.8M km2, the first power in terms of cotton production, first power in terms of gold production, a large river. With good leaders, we will go far!”

Now, do you know which country he is talking about?😄. Of course you know. But still, I will say the name lest some naysays or detractors come wasting my time. That country is France 🇫🇷, because only France and France alone intended to partition Mali 🇲🇱.

This is why the French occupied Kidal for 10 good years and forbade the Malian government to set foot in Kidal all these years. But thank God, our brave
@GoitaAssimi
along with his brothers
@CapitaineIb226
and General Abdourahamane Tiani, and of course, with the help the Russian federation 🇷🇺, Kidal has been liberated on November 14th, 2023.

https://x.com/marcus_herve/status/1768735382567309619

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In 2023 before the formation of AES

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🛑🇸🇦 “Mali dispute could reshape Africa’s mining outlook” - Mark Bristow, CEO of Barrick Gold.

On Friday, I came accros this interview of Mark Bristow, the CEO of Barrick Gold while he was attending the “Future Minerals Forum” in Riyad, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.

When Paul Harris asked him about the problem he encountered in Mali 🇲🇱, he said that,

“Mali is the very foundation of my business development.” “We've had a strong relationship with the people and the many governments of Mali over time.”

Understand that by this he means that they have amassed vast wealth over the years, because they were dealing with puppet and corrupt leaders in Mali 🇲🇱 since 2005, the year they started operating in the country.

As a matter of fact, Barrick gold owns 80% of the Loulo-Gounkoto mines in Mali 🇲🇱 while the State owns the remaining 20%. No wonder, Barrick Gold's Loulo-Gounkoto mines are considered Tier One Gold assets.

So, yea, Mali has truly been the very foundation of his business development, and they have had a strong Master and Slave relationship with the corrupt people and previous governments of Mali 🇲🇱.

“Mali was historically a magnet for investment,” he said. “The question is, how do we restore that? Transparency and open dialogue are key to fostering trust and creating an environment where everyone benefits.”

When I heard that come from his mouth, I laughed. The man talks about transparency and yet he wasn’t transparent at all in the interview, because according to him, it’s between Barrick Gold and Mali 🇲🇱.

Anyway, Mr Bristow is very lucky that he is outside of Mali 🇲🇱, if not,
@GoitaAssimi
would have put him in jail just like he threw Australian Gold company Resolute CEO Terence Holohan in jail until they paid their debt before he could be released.

Although Mali 🇲🇱 has issued an arrest warrant against Mark Bristow for money laundering and tax evasion by the largest gold producer in Africa, I doubt we will ever be able to lay hands on him.

@GoitaAssimi
please just confiscate the mines they are operating on, take it back! General Tiani
@NIGER_CNSP
took back the uranium mines from France 🇫🇷. Take back what is rightfully ours. No need for them to pay their debts.

End the damn contracts! What the hell is 20% for? Are still we going to allow these corporations to continue sucking our wealth just like that, while we whine all day long?

C’mon! Can’t we see the so called FDIs and investments are just schemes to deceive Africans to open the doors for them to have access to our minerals?

Communal entrepreneurship through popular shareholding is the easiest way we can build and own our economies by ourselves without any FDI.

So far, most of the factories we’re opening in Burkina Faso are run on this model. Enough with the so called foreign investors! It’s a rigged system of capitalism!

Here’s the link to the article and interview! You can either read it or watch the interview. 👇🏾

https://kitco.com/news/article/2025-01-22/mali-dispute-crucial-african-investment-climate-barrick-ceo-bristow

https://x.com/marcus_herve/status/1883525096880386462

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https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1884674371459104880

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https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250129/ecowas-wants-to-continue-security-cooperation-with-countries-of-sahel-says-commissioner-1070405536.html

ECOWAS Wants to Continue Security Cooperation With Countries of Sahel, Says Commissioner

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intends to continue cooperating with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso which form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), on humanitarian and security issues, including fighting terrorism, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel Fatau Musah has told Sputnik.

"The solution is to make sure we eradicate terrorism from the whole of West Africa. That requires collaboration between the coastal countries and the three countries of the AES, the alliance of Sahelian states," the commissioner said, adding that ECOWAS reiterates its readiness to cooperate with the Sahel countries on humanitarian and security issues.

The commissioner specified that the threat of terrorism looms over the entire West African region, but so far none of the AES have agreed to cooperate to resolve this problem. Despite the lack of a positive response on this issue, Musah noted that sooner or later the parties will sit down at the negotiating table to resolve this issue.

Moreover, ECOWAS will be forced to withdraw a number of structures from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger after their withdrawal from the community, which will lead to disruption of the work of some of the organization's institutions, the regional bloc's official said.
"ECOWAS has got a lot of projects and institutions in these member states," he elaborated. "What is going to happen to them? ECOWAS will be forced to relocate some of these institutions and other things. With the attendant impact on the people who are working there and things like that."

He went on to say that if the AES countries withdraw, the institution's relocation to other member states "is going to have an impact."

The commissioner clarified that while the action plan has not yet been adopted, ECOWAS is already creating a commission whose purpose will be to hold talks with representatives of the three countries that left the organization and decide what to do with the assets and structures.

"It's going to be very disruptive. We are going to have a lot of disruption in the region because of this," the politician added. "[...] Naturally the countries along the coast have got an advantage when it comes to trade, when it comes to their ability to offer employment and other things than the Sahelian countries. We need to sit down and think very carefully to see how this divorce between ECOWAS and the three countries of the alliance of the Sahelian states is not going to do negatively impact on their populations. There are already challenges."

Musah stated that the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger will have a huge psychological impact on residents of the entire region.

"The very first impact of what will happen tomorrow is psychological. It's psychological because ECOWAS is not just an organization; ECOWAS is a community," he explained. "It's psychological because West Africa has lived as a community. The populations, you know, treat with each other, the travel, the relations across borders and other things."

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger will have to conclude new agreements to maintain trade relations after leaving the bloc, the official stressed.
"The countries of the AES will have to enter into bilateral agreements because all the three countries are landlocked. When you are talking about trade, that is the first thing: Do you have access to the sea? And then what agreements are you going to make individually with the coastal countries?" he argued.

Furthermore, the commissioner noted that the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS would affect many who had traveled and maintained economic and social ties with the countries of the organization.

The Wednesday declaration also noted that trade would be carried out according to the rules adopted in the ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme until further action is determined.
The Economic Community of West African States gave Sahel countries six months to reconsider their decision to leave the group on December 15.

In January 2024, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali announced their withdrawal from the ECOWAS regional bloc. According to the AES officials, the community has become a threat to member countries.

According to a joint statement by Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, the regional bloc has imposed "illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions" against the three countries. ECOWAS said it was committed to finding a negotiated solution.
In July 2024, in Niamey, the presidents of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso signed a charter establishing the Sahel Alliance, which provides for the coordination of diplomatic work, foreign policy, economic relations, and security cooperation.

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With two brand new Commercial Air Craft for Air Burkinabe fleet, added to the one purchased last year, as well as a brand New Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso about to be completed ; the biggest cereal harvest since the days of Sankara, and a new airport about to be completed in the capital.
More Gold reserve secured than at any period in their history, Burkina Faso bid farewell to ECOWAS and say the future can only get better.

ECOWAS is now in an emotional state, on the one hand, acknowledging that Burkina Faso has left the puppets' block, and on the other hand, saying they will only accept ECOWAS passport from those nations, when their citizens travel to the block.

If you accept the departure of those nations, why do you want the logo of you organisation on be on their passport? Does it make sense?

It is as if ECOWAS is having a meltdown.

https://x.com/cecild84/status/1884680987684045253

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As the AES takes on the brave journey to their freedom and liberation; removing the shackles of the hijacked ECOWAS from their legs , I know many West Africans will be concerned about the future of their ability to move within the AES.

You have no need to worry. All ECOWAS passport holders have their rights protected. You will be just fine..
The rights that the AES plans to grant ECOWAS citizens, is more than what we enjoyed when they were ECOWAS members.

The AES are not only granting ECOWAS citizens the right to move for 3 months, which is the beginning and End of ECOWAS membership benefits, they are actually giving the right to live, work, set up business on a permanent basis. This is extraordinary.

Only individuals who are deemed undesirables, like terrorist, Western spys, will be unable to benefit from these favourable provisions. They will face exclusion bans.

Furthermore, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, are opening their investment opportunities, they want Africans to invest in Africa. They do not want these Western direct foreign investors. Honest black investors with noble intentions , will find a welcoming home in these nations.

These guys are very honest and friendly people. When i visited Faso and Mai in September, they never made me feel different, and they never duped me in any way.. They are proud people who can always be trusted.

We all know why they are leaving ECOWAS. They do not want to detach themselves from us, as the Western media would like us to believe. They are living because they want something better and different for their people, and we must all support them.

We must stand shoulder to shoulder with them, as their success will be our success also.

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From a school drop-out to a builder of electric vehicles, this is the story of Mustapha.

Mustapha Abubakar Gajibo, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Nigeria, is revolutionizing sustainable transport with his solar-powered electric buses.

A university dropout, he has become a key innovator, creating a 12-seater bus that travels up to 212 kilometers on a single charge at speeds of 110 km/h.

Built with 65% locally sourced materials and featuring air conditioning and voice commands, his buses are now operating in Maiduguri, with plans for expansion.

Mustapha is making history as the creator of Sub Saharan Africa's first homemade electric vehicle.

He also converts fuel cars into electric vehicles.

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Cooperation: Liberia requests Burkina Faso's support for the United Nations Security Council position , and explore greater cooperation and partnership with Burkina Faso .

Everyone is dumping the ECOWAS sinking ship.

The head of Liberian diplomacy conveyed to Captain Ibrahim TRAORÉ "the greetings of his brother, Joseph BOAKAI, President of the Republic of Liberia" before expressing the request for support from Burkina Faso for his country's candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. She also took the opportunity to explore with the Burkinabe Head of State, the various opportunities for a more fruitful partnership between the two countries.

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It looks like it was not only Burkina Faso and Mali that were making advances in specialized medical care,and accessibility.

Niger was able to open 135 medical units in 2024, increasing access for 320,000 citizens, according to the department of health.

This is in addition to the specialist cancer treatment facility that was opened last year, which meant that Nigeriens do not have to travel overseas for life saving medical treatment.

Well done to these brothers, for putting their people 1st.

If the poorest nations(according to the West)can do it, there can be no excuses from the richer ones.

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🛑🇧🇫- Yes! The State has taken the responsibility to construct major roads and highways that will connect all the big cities in the country.

Moreover, in the big projects of the AES, plans are already made to build interstate highways that must run from Niamey-Tera-Dori-Kaya-Ouagadougou-Bobo Dioulasso-Orodara-Sikasso-Bougouni-Bamako, interstate highways of 1446km.

To achieve that, we need the equipment. And what I like about all the equipment that we are bringing in, it’s paid with our own money, not loans.

If our people contributed over 175 billion CFA francs ($276M) in 2024 to the war effort just for the government to buy us military equipment, without counting on the defense budget, it’s not now that we have a gold refinery that we won’t be able to buy anything we want.

These are capital investments, and therefore, I fully understand why the State has created an agency that will specifically oversee these projects. We need very good roads, it’s very important.

Sometimes, it pains me that it’s now that we are doing all this, after 60 years of so called “independence” which is nothing but independence on paper, as General de Gaulle used to call it, “independence in interdependence.”

Everything needs to be done and redone. Anyway, constructing good roads and transportation systems will unequivocally boost our economies in the AES. Long live the AES! One love! ❤️

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The Nigérien government ended their deployment agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) yesterday the 4th February 2025 after 35years , ordering the immediate closure of its offices and departure of their expatriate staff.

I have always expressed concerns about the activities of these Agencies in the Sahel. They are their to further the interests of their masters, which is always contrary to ours.

Similar action was taken against the French NGO ACTED, which was supporting terrorist groups and spying for the French state.

When a nation is sovereign, they are able to take sovereign decisions.

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https://kawsachun.com/from-the-aes-to-alba-burkina-faso-activists-visit-caracas-to-support-president-maduro/

From the AES to ALBA: Burkina Faso activists visit Caracas to support President Maduro

The towering peaks of Caracas’ mountaintops captured the attention of the delegates from Burkina Faso even before their airplane hit the ground at the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela. Venezuela’s imposing mountainous coastline is a sharp contrast to the long stretch of flat savanna that makes up the majority of Burkina Faso’s landscape.

The Burkinabé delegates from grassroots social movements, primarily members of the Thomas Sankara Centre for African Liberation and Unity based in Ouagadougou, had come from far away to visit Venezuela from 7 to 14 January 2025. Their excitement to attend the inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro and to participate in the Global Anti-Fascist Festival in this friendly and inspirational South American country was perhaps unmatched. Afterall, the two countries are at the forefront of the international struggle against imperialism and exploitation.

Witnessing and Experiencing the Bolivarian Revolution

On January 6, comrades Fabrice and Kouss from the Thomas Sankara Centre left Ouagadougou in the early hours of the morning for a 48-hour journey of over 14,000 km to Venezuela. As soon as they arrived at Simon Bolivar airport, the comrades were struck by the internationalist environment. Meetings with various delegates from Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Niger, Congo, Netherlands, India, Nepal, and elsewhere fostered a sense of belonging to a collective cause of social justice, anti-fascism and international solidarity. They would soon be joined by another comrade from the Thomas Sankara Centre, Inem, who arrived on the 8th to a similar atmosphere.

The delegates from Burkina Faso were struck by Venezuela’s technological and architectural progress in the face of sanctions and economic difficulties. Initiatives in the fields of agriculture, energy, and communications illustrated the resilience and ingenuity of the Venezuelan people. These discoveries broadened their perspective and understanding of the possibilities for sustainable development within a socialist state.

Participation in the Global Anti-Fascist Festival, the meeting with President Nicolas Maduro and the Third International Communications Congress provided opportunities to exchange ideas with activists from around the world, attend practical workshops and take part in discussions on strategies and tactics in a shared struggle spanning the Global South.

While in Venezuela, the delegation also sought to forge Pan-African connections between those coming from the African continent and their diasporic counterparts.

ALBA and the AES

Like Venezuela, which is the initiator of Latin America’s anti-imperialist Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP), Burkina Faso is a part of Africa’s foremost anti-imperialist intergovernmental organization, the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

ALBA was proposed by the rebellious and charismatic military man turned revolutionary leader, Hugo Chavez, and came into fruition in 2004. The AES was formed just two-years ago, first as a defense agreement and then as a working confederation in 2024, by three soldiers who also became revolutionary leaders from the West African Sahel, namely Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, General Assimi Goïta of Mali, and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger.

Both ALBA and the AES have fiercely and boldly defended the self-determination of the peoples of South America and Africa. In ALBA, this has meant working towards greater integration between socialist and progressive states in Latin America and the Caribbean in order to increase economic cooperation and provide social services in the region all while resisting imperialist domination. In the AES, this has meant expelling the French military occupation in all three countries, nationalizing critical resources such as gold and uranium mines, and developing a shared defense and foreign policy with the goal of unifying into a future Pan-African federation.

ALBA references and draws inspiration from historical revolutionary figures in the region, particularly Simón Bolívar, José Martí, and Augusto Sandino. The AES looks up to African revolutionaries of the past such as Thomas Sankara, Modibo Keïta, and Djibo Bakary.

Both ALBA and the AES are at the forefront of the international struggle for a multipolar world, shifting global power from the NATO bloc to the Global South.

Relations Between the Peoples and the States

Yet, when the Burkinabé delegates made their way to Caracas, they found that among ordinary Venezuelans who had come out to support their president, along with delegates who arrived from various other parts of the Americas, some had been paying close attention to the updates and developments unfolding in Burkina Faso and the Sahel, while others had never heard of Burkina Faso before.

Back home in Burkina Faso, the reality is similar. Some Burkinabé have paid attention to Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution and have followed it for years, yet others are not familiar with the country and its resistance to US hegemonic control.

The mutual gaps in awareness and knowledge between the two revolutions may be due in part to the language barrier that separates the circulation of information and news between the Spanish-speaking and French-speaking international spheres. When exciting and important developments get translated for an international audience, it tends to go from Spanish to English or from French to English. The need to break down linguistic barriers between Africa and Latin America through more Spanish to French translation and vice versa was a takeaway for many African delegates to the festival.

Nevertheless, this international gathering of thousands of delegates from 125 various countries across the globe, was the perfect opportunity for grassroots organizers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, to learn directly from Venezuelans and other Latin Americans about the struggles of their region. It was also the perfect avenue for a two-way exchange that enabled Sahelian delegates to convey to Latin Americans the major changes sweeping this critical region of the African continent, sometimes with rusty English as an intermediary language or occasionally with the interpretation assistance of multilingual delegates.

Since the coming to power of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso and Venezuela have had closer relations than ever before. They have a joint cooperation commission and a parliamentary friendship group designed to help the two countries collaborate in the areas of health, agriculture, education, security, mining, oil, culture, air transport, communication, electoral issues, human rights, and more.

Yet beyond agreements between ministers and heads of state, the desire for this close relationship was felt on the level of the people and the social movements during President Nicolas Maduro’s inaugural meeting with the people and organizations who gathered to see him on 10 January 2025.

“Burkina Faso! Burkina Faso!” The crowd erupted in a chant as people from near and far joined the West African delegates in their aim of getting Venezuela’s beloved president to recognize their beloved homeland. Cheers erupted when President Maduro screamed “Viva Burkina Faso! Viva Africa!” to the impassioned audience.

Collectivos and Wayiyans

Every revolution has its particularities, but Venezuela and Burkina Faso share much in common, in the way that working-class people and farmers have taken the initiative to form grassroots organizations across the country that both support the revolutionary government, while also raising their demands and needs in a constructive manner to push it further.

The Burkinabé visitors were thrilled to meet with grassroots organizations and colectivos which formed independently from the government, but which work fiercely to defend and protect the Bolivarian revolution.They drew parallels between these groups and Burkina Faso’s Citizen’s Nightwatch (la Veille Citoyenne) also popularly known as Wayiyans, a grassroots network of thousands of organizations across the country that serve as the eyes and ears of the AES struggle and who tirelessly defend the government of Ibrahim Traoré from attack. Both the colectivos and the wayiyans have their own political visions and their own sets of demands which they assert to push the struggles in their country further and further to the left.

This must be what activists around the world mean when they cry out “power to the people!”

Venezuela–Africa Relations

As much as the Burkinabé were thrilled to be in South America for the first time learning from a country at the forefront of a shared interntional struggle, Venezuelans were equally excited to meet with delegates from Africa, a part of the world to which they trace their roots.

Hugo Chavez not only worked tirelessly into strengthening Venezuela’s relationship with the people and states of Africa, he also declared himself an afro-descendant. In 2005, Hugo Chavez stated,

“Racism is very characteristic of imperialism and capitalism. Hate against me has a lot to do with racism. Because of my big mouth and curly hair. And I’m so proud to have this mouth and this hair, because it is African.”

Chavez’s final letter to the world before he passed away, his letter to the III Africa – South America Summit (ASA) delivered on 22 February 2013, was essentially a love letter to Africa from Latin America, detailing all the ways in which African freedom fighters have shed their blood to liberate the Americas and how African revolutionaries have inspired the people of both hemispheres.

Under President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela hosted the 2019 Afro-descendant International Congress hosted with participation from both the African diaspora and the African continent. The Maduro government also oversaw the opening of The Center of African, American, and Caribbean Wisdoms (CAACW), a center dedicated to synthesizing and sharing African and African diasporic knowledge, which the Burkinabé delegates hope to visit and exchange with in future travels to Venezuela.

The longstanding efforts on the part of the Bolivarian Revolution to reclaim and uplift its African roots may be one reason why Venezuelans routinely flocked to take pictures with the Burkinabé and other African travellers in the dozens.

Conclusions from Inauguration

While the Burkinabé members of the Thomas Sankara Centre were thrilled to represent their country at Nicolas Maduro’s inauguration for his third presidential term, Burkinabé officials representing the government also attended the ceremonies and meetings. At the end of the events, the Legislative Assembly of Burkina Faso and the National Assembly of Venezuela signed a bilateral agreement for future collaboration. The Burkinabé Legislative Assembly will be returning to Venezuela to learn more from the National Assembly of Venezuela and Venezuela will organize a summit for African and Arab parliaments.

The Burkinabé activists and organizers who attended the inauguration like to imagine that they played a small role in strengthening this partnership. Afterall, Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, Burkina Faso’s President of the Legislative Assembly who stood near President Maduro on stage, smiled and waved at the cheering Burkinabé who riled up the audience, chanting “Burkina Faso, Burkina Faso,” until they finally captured President Maduro’s attention and his salute.

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🛑🇧🇫- First University of the AES to open its door end of September.

More than 200 young people from Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 , Mali 🇲🇱 and Niger 🇳🇪 expected at the first summer university of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) scheduled for September 25th to 27, 2024 in Ziniaré, 25 km northeast of Ouagadougou.

Well done
@GoitaAssimi

@CapitaineIb226
and General Tiani
@NIGER_CNSP
. We need more of this in the entire confederation. Well done! Long live the AES!

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https://x.com/WestAfricaWeek/status/1893766540824055921

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https://westafricaweekly.com/mali-senegal-launch-joint-patrols-to-combat-jihadist-threat/

Mali, Senegal Launch Joint Patrols To Combat Jihadist Threat

Malian and Senegalese defence forces have launched joint patrols along their shared border to counter rising insecurity driven by jihadist attacks.

The initiative, officially launched on February 20, 2025, in the border town of Diboli, follows a surge in violence attributed to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group.

The situation became more serious after the recent kidnapping and killing of a well-known Senegalese religious leader, an act claimed by JNIM’s second-in-command, Amadou Kouffa.

According to a report from Malijet, Senegal has deployed Military Zone No. 4 and the Rapid Action Group for Surveillance and Intervention (GARSI). At the same time, Malian armed forces and internal security services are also engaged. The joint patrols focus on securing strategic routes and protecting local populations.

Former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara praised the initiative, calling it a necessary step for West African security.

I strongly welcome this idea which illustrates what we must do in West Africa in the face of insecurity and terrorism. As much as criminals play on our borders, our States must have the flexibility of mind to join hands to cooperate in all our border areas, Malijet quoted him.

The joint operation is part of diplomatic efforts between the two nations despite Mali’s recent withdrawal from ECOWAS.

During a visit to Bamako, Senegalese Defense Minister Birame Diop reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to working with Mali against terrorism and cross-border crime. Both governments aim to establish a permanent surveillance mechanism along their nearly 700-kilometer border.

This initiative follows previous regional cooperation efforts, including a September 2024 joint operation between Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania. Mali and Senegal have already established military ties through an agreement signed in March 2021, enabling joint border patrols and military training exchanges.

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The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed by Niger 🇳🇪, Mali 🇲🇱, and Burkina Faso 🇧🇫, has officially launched its new federation flag.

After leaving ECOWAS weeks ago, they introduced a joint AES passport.

The three nations plan to create a single currency.

They also formed a joint task force with 5,000 troops under the AES Confederation to fight terrorism in the region.

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https://westafricaweekly.com/css-unveils-official-flag-after-exit-from-ecowas/

CSS Unveils Official Flag After Exit from ECOWAS

The Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) unveiled its flag today in a ceremony held in Bamako, Mali. Under the chairmanship of Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Republic of Mali, the Ministers of CSS marked this historic moment following the validation of the flag by the Heads of State of member countries.

The rectangular flag features a green background with the CSS logo. The choice of green is deeply symbolic, representing growth, hope, prosperity, and the region’s abundant natural resources.

The event is a significant step in the consolidation of CSS by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to strengthen cooperation in security, economic development, and governance.

It will be recalled that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, 2024.

Earlier, the confederation announced the launch of its regional passport, a significant step towards enhancing the free movement of people and goods within its member states. According to a press release by the CSS presidency, the new CSS passports circulated on January 29, 2025. However, old passports bearing the ECOWAS logo will remain valid until their expiration date, providing a smooth transition for citizens.

The confederation also announced plans to establish a Regional Investment Bank in another move. This decision was taken during a ministerial meeting of the AES held in Bamako on January 16, 2025. Other key decisions from the session include launching transformative infrastructure projects across member states. The meeting was attended by ministers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, following preparatory discussions held by regional experts on January 14 and 15.

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https://westafricaweekly.com/niger-awards-2-mining-permits-to-national-companies-for-copper-and-uranium-extraction/

Niger Awards 2 Mining Permits To National Companies For Copper And Uranium Extraction


The Nigerien government has awarded two new mining permits to national copper and uranium extraction companies, reinforcing its commitment to the mining sector as a key driver of economic development.

The permits were approved during the Council of Ministers meeting on February 22, 2025.

The first permit, granted to Compagnie Minière de l’Aïr, allows for copper extraction in the rural communes of Tabelot and Dabaga, located in the Tchirozérine department of the Agadez region.

The project, in which the state holds a 25 per cent stake, is expected to produce an average of 2,700 tonnes of copper metal annually over 10 years. It is projected to create 300 direct jobs and generate over 4 billion CFA francs in royalties in its first decade.

The second permit was awarded to Compagnie Minière de Recherche et d’Exploitation (COMIREX.SA) for uranium extraction in Dannat, within the Arlit department of the Agadez region.

With the state holding a 40 per cent share, the project aims to produce 300 tonnes of uranium annually over an initial five-year period, with the possibility of renewal. It is expected to create 94 direct jobs and generate more than 3.6 billion CFA francs in royalties.

Officials say the decision to grant these permits follows the identification of significant mineral deposits. The move is part of a broader strategy to maximise the country’s mineral resources while boosting local employment and state revenue.

Niger has long been recognised for its mineral wealth, with nearly 150 identified mineral deposits, including gold, uranium, coal, copper, tin, lithium, vanadium, phosphate, and coltan.

The government has recently implemented reforms to enhance state control over the mining sector. In September 2024, the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP) established two public mining companies: Masumawa National Gold Company for gold extraction and Timorsoa National Uranium Company for uranium operations.

With these new permits, Niger aims to strengthen its position in the global mining industry.

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https://westafricaweekly.com/niger-national-committee-proposes-five-year-transition-to-civilian-rule-recommends-naming-tchiani-president/

Niger: National Committee Proposes Five-Year Transition to Civilian Rule, Recommends Naming Tchiani President

A consultative body appointed by Niger’s junta has proposed a five-year transition to civilian rule and the possibility of military leaders contesting elections. This proposal was made on Thursday at a national convention in Niamey.

In a state-broadcast ceremony, junta chief General Abdourahamane Tchiani called the plan a “fresh start,” drawing loud applause. Shortly after taking power, Tchiani announced plans for an inclusive national dialogue to determine governance priorities and the transition timeline.

The national convention, held from February 15 to 19, brought together 716 civil and military representatives. Delegates recommended a 60-month transition period starting from adopting the new charter. However, they noted that the timeline could change depending on the country’s security situation.

Tchiani had initially promised a three-year transition after seizing power in July 2023. However, months of uncertainty led authorities to organise consultations across Niger’s eight regions. A national commission, chaired by traditional leader Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingareye, oversaw the process. The group included former ministers, academics, legal experts, military officers, religious leaders, and civil society representatives.

The convention proposed an amnesty for those behind the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum. It also suggested concessions for soldiers convicted of trying to overthrow past governments in the last decade. After receiving the endorsement of the 716 delegates present at the conference, General Abdourahamane Tiani expressed his optimism for Niger’s future.

He stated, I solemnly commit to realizing this hope for happiness for the Nigerien people by taking all necessary measures in the best interest of our country. You have played your part, and I will fulfill mine with dedication and without weakness.

According to Mme Barry Bibata Niandou, the general spokesman of the conference, the convention agreed to uphold Niger’s republican system and preserve its democratic and social values. It also proposed granting Tchiani the title of ‘president of the republic’ to the head of the ruling National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland. Existing political parties will be dissolved, and a new political charter will be established.

A final report will be submitted to Tchiani within three weeks. Authorities say the transition timeline will also depend on security conditions and the reform agenda of the Confederation of Sahel States(CSS).

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https://westafricaweekly.com/coris-investment-group-acquires-totalenergies-assets-in-burkina-faso/

Coris Investment Group Acquires TotalEnergies’ Assets in Burkina Faso

French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies is selling its assets in Burkina Faso to Coris Investment Group, RTB has reported. This move comes weeks after the company transferred its operations in Mali to Coly Énergie Mali, a local energy firm.

While the terms of the acquisition in Burkina Faso have not been disclosed, the terms of the Malian acquisition ensured that all 1,109 employees of TotalEnergies would retain their jobs. On January 23, a delegation from Coly Énergie, led by newly appointed Chairman René Hounsinou, met with Malian Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maïga. During the meeting, they introduced the company’s new leadership and reassured the government of continued operations without disruptions.

The Malian government welcomed the acquisition, seeing it as a positive step for the country’s energy sector, with potential benefits for the local market and employment. TotalEnergies has operated in Mali for over 60 years, playing a key role in the oil and gas industry and, more recently, in renewable energy through its affiliate, Total Eren.

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https://x.com/WestAfricaWeek/status/1891783903091851418

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https://westafricaweekly.com/commuters-say-niger-republic-has-begun-restricting-travellers-with-only-ecowas-passport/

Commuters Say Niger Republic Has Begun Restricting Travellers with Only ECOWAS Passport

Niger Republic has started imposing restrictions on Nigerians using the ECOWAS passport, requiring a valid international passport for entry. The restriction follows its withdrawal from the regional bloc.

Although the border remains open, stricter immigration rules are reportedly being implemented for traders and commuters. Travellers without Niger’s new national passport also face restrictions at major crossings, including Illela-Konni, according to a Punch report.

Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a frequent trader on the route, said ECOWAS passports were no longer accepted.

They have started harassing us at the border. Some of our people have been sent back. We heard that a new passport is now required to enter Niger,” he said.

A source in Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, confirmed that border officials now insist on their national passport. This has made travel harder for those relying on ECOWAS documents.

Some of our people have already been sent home. The authorities insist on their own national passport, making it difficult for traders and travellers,” he explained.

Some commercial drivers say security officials are exploiting the situation. Despite the restrictions, some traders say business is still running. Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a trader in Illela, said the border remains open on both sides. When contacted by media, the bloc’s Head of Communication, Joel Ahofodji, said ECOWAS was unaware of Niger’s new policy.

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali officially left ECOWAS on 29 January 2024. Since then, they have moved to strengthen cooperation under the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS). The CSS introduced a regional passport on 29 January 2025, allowing citizens of the three countries to travel within their bloc. While ECOWAS passports remain valid until expiration, new CSS passports will gradually replace them.

The confederation has also announced plans to create a Regional Investment Bank and launch significant infrastructure projects. These decisions were made at a ministerial meeting in Bamako on 16 January 2025. With Niger enforcing new entry rules, the country appears to be asserting its sovereignty and reducing ECOWAS influence over its internal affairs.

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NIGER'S REVOLUTIONARY STUDENTS MARCH FOR MARTYRS

Niger has been making headlines since its military ousted a Western-aligned leader in a people-backed coup d’état on 26 July 2023.

However, unbeknownst to many, Niger's revolution comes after several decades of mass struggle by workers and students. Nigerien students have been fighting for socialism and Pan-Africanism through the Union of Nigerien Students (Union des Scolaires Nigériens or USN, @union_des_scolaires_nigeriens on Instagram) for the past 65 years. Unfortunately, some of these organised and politicised students have paid the ultimate price. One such example took place on 9 February 1990, when then-president General Ali Chaïbou’s (1940-2011) security forces massacred three Nigerien students. Since then, an annual march in all eight of Niger’s regions honours the slain.

Today, students see a brighter future ahead. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) government has already brought about major changes to the infrastructure of the educational system. The country is a part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a Pan-African confederation of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger that is working on developing a joint school curriculum adapted to the Sahel region's culture, history and material needs.

African Stream's Inemesit Richardson spoke to students on the ground.

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🛑 Niger 🇳🇪 - General Tiani visits a gold mine!

Yesterday, General Tiani
@NIGER_CNSP
visited the gold mine of Samira. You can see the enthusiasm of the people. The Chief of operations of the mine said that they are happy to see him, despite his busy schedule.

He told Tiani that all the workers here from the start to the end product of gold bars are Nigeriens. He added that they can make 6 billion CFA francs (~$10M) every month. So, according to him, the problem is never about lack of skills or expertise, but investment. He said they have gold reserves too.

To understand his concerns, I did a little calculation. If they have a monthly turnover of $10M, that means that they are producing approximately 106kg worth of gold at current price of $94.3 per gram of gold. At this rate, they will be producing 1272kg of gold a year with all things being equal.

So, basically, there is a need to increase their gold production by investing more capital. So, the man is right! That’s it! I have been saying that we don’t need to give our mines to westerners. We can mine them by ourselves. We have the technical skills. So, let’s take full ownership over mines!

Long live General Tiani! Long live Niger 🇳🇪 and long live the AES! One love ❤️!

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What advice would you give to Sahel new age leaders?

Me: Be careful of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

As early as 2017 France and USA had already lobbied Saudi and UAE to provide Mali with funds to fight against jihadists in Northern Mali, jihadist created by the USA and Europe. Arab countries intervention was to oversee the acceleration of Mali partition (which failed).

The ties that Captain Traore and Goite have developed with Saudi and UAE must end at diplomatic and trade levels - not military. Sudan is paying a high price now and they might split it again.

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https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1896524064166228128

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In the year 2024, Ghana imported mangoes worth GH¢96million from Burkina Faso , according to Ghana Statistical Service Trade Report. That is over $6 million.

Ghana imports of Tomatoes, fresh or chilled was $169.26K and quantity 139,709Kg. Ghana imported Tomatoes, fresh or chilled from Burkina Faso ($85.80K , 107,824 Kg), Netherlands ($59.45K , 3,096 Kg), Morocco ($14.18K , 26,650 Kg), Switzerland ($2.55K , 245 Kg), France ($2.33K , 231 Kg).

Well over half of those imported tomatoes came from Faso, but Ghana was paying far less to Burkina Faso per kilo, than how much it paid to France, Switzerland, Morocco or Netherlands.

This sets out the case for intra African trade, and goes to show the worth of the AES to West Africa's Economy and food security.

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It is over a year since I invited the AES detractors, and those that consistently complain about the Russia-AES relationship, to provide me any evidence of Russia's bad faith activities in these African nations.

So far not a single individual has posited any evidence of exploitation of our resources or interference in our foreign affairs by Russia.

No one has provided evidence of Africa's natural resources, which Russia has not got in abundance.

It is safe to say, that some of these Africans are agents of the West.

Whilst Russia is working with Africa in a win-win relationship, other Western powers are looking at taking over Congo.

Whilst Russia is helping the Sahel to free themselves of French choke hold, other nations are seeking ethnic strife in the Sahel, working with minorities to undermine the aspirations of the majority population.

It is in the national and continental interest of Africa, to have a close friendly relationship with Russia, and we must not allow any external actors to jeopardise such relationship.

https://x.com/cecild84/status/1904169559088566776

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Algeria is calling the AES" brothers" now, and wants a good relationship with them, but can Algeria ever be trusted, or should they.

🇩🇿 has at least implicitly supported the rebels in the AES, both diplomatically & materially.
Is there a basis 4 trust?

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🇷🇺🇲🇱🇳🇪🇧🇫Diplomatic Conference to strengthen partnership between Russia and AES to take place on 3-April in Moscow :

As part of an initiative to deepen relations between the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA) and the Russian Federation, the ESA Foreign Ministers will pay an official visit to Moscow on 3 and 4 April 2025. This meeting, organized at the invitation of Russian Minister Sergei Lavrov, marks the beginning of a new chapter in strategic cooperation between the two parties.

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The foreign ministers of Mali 🇲🇱, Burkina Faso 🇧🇫, and Niger 🇳🇪 are in Moscow for a two-day visit to strengthen ties with Russia.

Russia will supply weapons and military training to a new joint force of the three countries.

They have also signed a joint defense agreement.


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🌍🕊 Sergey Lavrov wishes prosperity and peace to the peoples of the Sahel alliance, as the flag of the Sahel states waves for the first time beyond its borders.

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1907794465672323523

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🇷🇺🇲🇱🇳🇪🇧🇫 Russia became the first country to recognize the Sahel alliance by hosting a ministerial meeting in Moscow,
@AbdoulayeDiop8
noted.
https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1907797485461880889

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🪖 Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso intend to create a joint armed force to fight terrorist groups in the region, Malian FM
@AbdoulayeDiop8
said.

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1907799100919025841

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E 🇧🇫 Trade turnover between Russia and Sahel states will grow, Burkina Faso Foreign Minister
@JeanMarieTraore
said.

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1907802280537022516

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🇳🇪🤝🇷🇺 Nigerien FM
@BakaryYaou
praises Russia's fair treatment of Niamey in the international arena and announces the decision to open a Russian embassy in the country.

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1907809369065980380

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🇷🇺🌍 Sergey Lavrov's key statements following a meeting with his AES counterparts:

Russia is ready to provide comprehensive assistance to the AES in defense, security and economy.

[1/5]

Kiev, with the connivance of the West, is trying to destabilize Africa by openly supporting terrorists in the Sahel.

[2/5]

📈 The volume of mutual trade between Russia and the Sahel states has grown 10 times over the past year.

[3/5]

💪 Russia views the creation of the AES as an endeavor to create a new security architecture in the region.

[4/5]

The Russia-AES foreign ministers' meeting will be annual.

[5/5]


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🇲🇱 🇳🇪🇧🇫The AES flag is displayed outside Sahel for the first time, Lavrov stressed.

🌍 In his address to the press, Lavrov called the formation of the Sahel alliance evidence of "Africa's second awakening".

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1907749866341618110



🌍 🇷🇺 Alliance of the Sahel States needs means to control skies, Niger Foreign Minister said.

He stressed that the AES needs weapons, personnel, and training from Russia, adding that their people are counting on Moscow’s support in the fight against terrorism.

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Open-Heart Surgery Now Possible in Niger Thanks to Cooperation With Burkina Faso

Health Minister Garba Hakimi announced an inaugural open-heart surgery at Niamey General Hospital, marking progress towards health sovereignty and enabling local care for heart disease patients.

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1917284498192097691

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Ibrahim Traore speech on the formation of the AES


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🇬🇭Revolutions are like a virus, they spread, they have a domimo effect, 1st it was in the Sahel, now it is reaching coastal areas:
Ghana has ordered foreigners to exit its gold trading market by the end of April as Africa's largest gold producer looks to streamline gold purchases from small-scale miners, increase earnings, and reduce smuggling. The West African nation is shifting away from a system where local and foreign companies with export licenses can buy and export gold from artisanal or small-scale mining. The newly established Gold Board (GoldBod) will be the only entity allowed to buy, sell, assay, and export all gold mined in Ghana. The new regulatory body has also canceled all mining leases to all persons, including Ghanaians, except those operating large-scale mining companies. It also urges all licensed persons and entities buying gold in the local market to do so in Ghana cedis.

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https://x.com/_GhanaToday/status/1917473761479053702

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https://x.com/cecild84/status/1918402725425135988

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Niger 🇳🇪 Republic to Build Gold Refinery.

Niger has signed a joint venture with the Emirati company Suvarna Royal Gold Trading LLC to create the country's first gold refinery and gemstone processing units.

This new partnership will build a gold refinery, jewelry manufacturing unit, and gemstone cutting and polishing center in Niger.

https://x.com/cecild84/status/1918396771841028123

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The landlocked West African nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have endorsed Morocco's initiative to provide them with access to the Atlantic Ocean through its ports. This move comes after the three military-ruled countries left ECOWAS and formed their own alliance, the AES, while also strengthening ties with Russia and distancing themselves from traditional Western partners. https://buff.ly/n8nyHzu

#Africa #news

https://x.com/MimiMefoInfo/status/1917323197826899972

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🇧🇫🇷🇺 Capitaine Ibrahim Traoré commented on today's Victory Day commemorations:

By attending the grand parade and wreath laying ceremony on May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of #Russia's victory over Nazism, I pay tribute to the Soviet Army and Allied troops.

This historic victory is a source of confidence for me in the wholehearted commitment of my country and the AES Confederation to winning the war against terrorism and imperialism at all costs. The security of our States and the well-being of our populations drive and guide our daily actions.

I welcome the mutually beneficial partnership between #BurkinaFaso and the Russian Federation.

https://x.com/MaimunkaNews/status/1920947790152429693

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Sorry posted in wrong thread.

Deleted post and posted it where it belongs.

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🇷🇺🇧🇫 Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov holds talks with Head of defense department of Burkina Faso

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with Mister of Defense and Veteran Affairs of Burkina Faso Brigade General Celestin Simpone.

'Burkina Faso is a close friend and ally of Russia. We feel close friendly ties to your country. We have a lot of common tasks and projects, ' Andrei Belousov said.

The Head of the Russian defense department stressed, that Russia welcomes and supports the aspiration of Burkina Faso 'to express your opinion and uphold your sovereignty'.

'I am confident that our joint efforts in the framework of the agreement between Russia and Burkina Faso on military cooperation will facilitate the strengthening of combat capacity of your army,' Russian Defense Minister added.

In turn, Brigade General Celestin Simpone noted, that Russia and Burkina-Faso advanced far in the sphere of military-technical cooperation by implementing a number of projects.

He also thanked Andrei Belousov for the invitation to take part 'in the celebration of the anniversary of the Great Victory over Nacism, which allow to liberate the whole world and ensure that life continues today. '

'We pass on the brotherly wishes of the people of Burkina Faso, which reflect the spirit of friendship and brotherhood our people share,' he added.

During the talks, the sides discussed relevant direction of cooperation between the defense departments.

Russian Defense Ministry

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🇷🇺🇲🇱 Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Mali Corps General Sadio Camara.

'I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the award of the military rank of Corps General. This is a worthy recognition of your professionalism and contribution to strengthening the national statehood,' said Andrei Belousov.

📄 The Russian Defense Minister noted that the defense departments of both countries have a large common agenda of partnership. 'There are a lot of issues that we address now and a number of issues we have to address.'

In turn, Corps General Sadio Camara congratulated the Head of the Russian defense department on behalf of the President of the Alliance of Sahel States Assimi Goïta on the successful celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

'We understand, that without the sacrifice of the Soviet Union, the world would be a different place. We understand the significance of your sacrifice,' he noted.

Sadio Camara reassured that the leadership and the people of Sahel support the Russian Federation in the fight against fascism.

'We support the special military operation, which undoubtedly, will end in victory. The bravery of Russian soldiers and people will always be a source of inspiration for us,' Defense Minister of Mali added.

During the talks, the sides discussed the relevant directions of the cooperation between the defence departments of both countries.

Russian Defense Ministry

https://x.com/dana916/status/1921302779110232235


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🇷🇺🇳🇪 Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov holds talks with Head of Defense Department of Niger

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov held bilateral talks with Defense Minister of the Republic of Niger Corps General Salifou Modi.

'I am pleased by the opportunity to meet you in person. I thank you for accepting the invitation to visit the celebrations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War,' Andrei Belousov said.

The Russian Defense Minister noted that the visit of the Head of the Defense Department of the Republic of Niger indicates that the Victory over fascism is a common celebration.

'We work towards dynamic expansion of the whole spectrum of military cooperation between Russia and Niger. We view the Alliance of Sahel States as a manifestation of the determination of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to build a new regional security architecture, as well as to pursue an independent foreign policy based on national interests and their own capacities,' Andrei Belousov streesed.

The Head of the Russian defense department pointed out, that the cooperation with African partners has a strategic and long-term nature, which provides for reliable, equal, and friendly relations.

'The President of the Russian Federation personally oversees the issues of our military cooperation,' the Head of the Russian Defense department noted.

▫️ In turn, Corps General Salifou Modu thanked Andrei Belousov for 'invitation to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory of Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War'.

▫️ The Head of the Defense Department of Niger also thanked for the attention of the Russian Federation to the development of cohesion and cooperation with the Republic of Niger and all countries of the Alliance of Sahel States.

▫️ During the talks, the sides discussed the relevant directions of cooperation between the defense departments of Russia and Niger.

Russian Defense Ministry

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Moscow sees the AES as a sign of the determination of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger,

MOSCOW, May 10, 2025 (AIB/TASS) - Russia views the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA) as a manifestation of the determination of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to build a new regional security architecture, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said, after holding a bilateral meeting with his Nigerien counterpart, General Salifou Modi.

"I am pleased to meet you. Thank you for accepting the invitation to attend the ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War," Mr. Belousov said.

"We are striving to ensure the dynamic development of all Russian-Nigerian military ties. We view the ESA as a manifestation of the determination of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to build a new regional security architecture and pursue an independent foreign policy based on their national interests and their own potential," the Russian minister emphasized.

According to him, the arrival of the Nigerien minister testifies to the fact that the victory over fascism is a common celebration.

General Modi in turn thanked Andrei Belousov for the invitation.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed current issues in the framework of military cooperation.

Burkina Faso Information Agency with TASS.

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Names of the 23 civilians arrested by Wagner PMC and Malian army 2 days ago in Diafarabe, none have returned since, it is very likely they were executed in cold blood.
https://x.com/brantphilip1978/status/1923055951973585419

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JNIM militants visit localities under their control to preach to the residents in the Aribanda region of Mali, on the border with Burkina Faso and south of the Niger River.

https://x.com/brantphilip1978/status/1923049836485410887

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Only 36% of Togolese citizens wants to remain in ECOWAS, compared to 56% who wants their nation to join the AES immediately:

🇹🇬More than half of Togolese, 54%, support joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) instead of remaining in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The conclusion comes from an Afrobarometer survey carried out last November. The survey, covering 1,200 people, aligns with Foreign Minister Robert Dussey’s early 2025 statement about Togo’s interest in joining AES.

Men favor joining AES more than women, with 57% versus 50%. Urban residents support AES membership at 59%, while only 49% of rural respondents agree. Support peaks in the Central region at 74%, followed by Lomé Commune at 64% and the Savanes region at 60%.

Meanwhile, 36% want Togo to stay in ECOWAS, criticizing it as dominated by coup-born regimes that hinder West African integration.

In March 2025, Dussey publicly raised the possibility of joining AES, stirring debate among Togolese politicians and international observers.

This survey appears amid tense relations between AES and some ECOWAS members. Despite this, Togo strengthens economic ties with AES, notably by making Lomé’s port the main supply route for Burkina Faso and Niger.

A further interesting finding on who Togolese people blame for the breakdown of relations between ECOWAS and AES:

This majority cannot be ignored, especially when accompanied by the 64% who believe that the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS is justified. This sentiment is particularly strong among urban dwellers, the more educated, and members of the middle class, for whom regional independence is becoming imperative.
Complaints against ECOWAS are numerous: 34% of respondents point to excessive influence by foreign powers, 27% condemn the sanctions imposed on ESA member countries, and 21% regret the lack of military assistance in the face of jihadist insurgencies. At the same time, the same majority (54%) considers Russia's presence in West Africa useful, particularly through the Africa Corps, which is seen as a counterweight to traditional powers.

https://x.com/cecild84/status/1922893827859194344

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The #Sahel solidarity campaign network condemns the NATO backed terror attacks on #Burkina_Faso and also condemns the false and libellous report by US color revolution agency Human Rights Watch.
https://modernghana.com/news/1296590/we-condemn-the-brutal-terrorist-attacks-on-burkina.html

WE REJECT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH BIAS AND LIBELLOUS REPORT AGAINST BURKINA FASO

The dawn of the Sahel Revolution has led to remarkable advances in defeating terrorism, poverty alleviation, regional integration and unity, and a reassertion of sovereignty and true independence. France and the United States and their allies have been antagonistic toward the Sahel Revolution, and have concurrently pursued a covert foreign policy, aimed at destabilising the Sahel States of Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger, and murdering their leaders, as they did to past progressive leaders across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean nations.

So why has international instruments like Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other Organisations and the corporate media so desperately wanting to interpret the foreign policies of France and US, toward Africa? This affinity for imperialist and neo-colonial-driven agendas are not limited to the Sahel or Africa. Human Rights Watch behaves like any organic intellectual in the imperialist hegemony, fiddling around the edges and adjusting details. It plays approximately the same game as the European-based Cultic Empire.

Human Rights Watch repeatedly focuses on vilifying the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger, while ignoring rapid development in the social and economic sectors that is taking place in those progressive African countries. The US-based NGO has also ignored the fact that the ongoing terrorism war was imposed on the Sahel region by those foreign powers that initiated and spearheaded the genocide campaign in Libya, notably NATO members-states led by France, the US and Britain. As a result, it routinely judges the African continent in a manner that promotes colonial and imperialist-driven agendas, and discredits governments seeking sovereignty and total independence from foreign manipulative mechanism.
....

Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh
Co-founder and President
The New African Charter International (NACI) and the Sahel Solidarity Campaign Network
(Sas-CaN)

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🇷🇺🌍 Justice League: Russia Meets the Sahel Trio

At the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, justice ministers from Russia, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso met for the first time to enhance justice ties.

They plan to sign a cooperation agreement soon, with Russian Minister Konstantin Chuychenko emphasizing the potential for partnerships in this new format.

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🇹🇩 Will Chad soon join the AES?

"Everyone must choose their alliances," says a presidential advisor.

Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar told Sputnik Africa that Chad shares the same cultures as its neighbors in the Sahel region.

⚠️But beware of the NEOCOLONIAL DANGER!

"Now we must succeed in avoiding the wars that neocolonialism is provoking — these intercommunal conflicts. I see foreign hands behind them."

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1925115345003503777

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US has announces relocation of its Africa Command (AFRICOM) headquarters to Morocco.

This strategic move aims to enhance U.S. engagement in the Sahel region, strengthening counterterrorism efforts and regional stability in partnership with Morocco, a key ally.

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US has announces relocation of its Africa Command (AFRICOM) headquarters to Morocco.

This strategic move aims to enhance U.S. engagement in the Sahel region, strengthening counterterrorism efforts and regional stability in partnership with Morocco, a key ally.

https://x.com/SprinterObserve/status/1933098636532949368

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Text:
Translated from French by
⚠️ FAKE NEWS ALERT: Moroccan regime media 🇲🇦 among others, claimed that the
@USAfricaCommand
🇺🇸 was going to move its headquarters to Morocco.

➡️ Facts: No statement from US officials has been produced to this effect. In fact, the opposite was stated by General Langley, head of AFRICOM, two days ago during a hearing before the House of Representatives. In response to a question about a possible desire to move the headquarters of the command from Stuttgart 🇩🇪 to Morocco 🇲🇦 , he stated that such an option was not interesting from a cost/operational benefit point of view.
Source:

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Congressman Hamadeh asks General Michael Langley, USMC Commander, U.S. Africa Command:

Do you ever envision moving the headquarters of AFRICOM from Germany to an African partner country like Morocco?

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🇧🇫 AES Week kicks off June 26–30 in Ouagadougou, celebrating shared culture and honoring soldiers as pillars of regional stability.

🇳🇪 Meanwhile, the first AES Youth Forum will take place in Niamey on June 27–28, uniting young voices around a common vision for sovereignty in the Sahel.

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Russia,Mali Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement

https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russia-mali-sign-nuclear-energy-cooperation-agreement/

Russia and Mali have signed a nuclear power cooperation agreement which can be expected to ultimately result in an NPP in the country. Neighbouring Burkina Faso signed a similar agreement last week. #RussiaMali #NuclearDiplomacy

https://x.com/RussiasPivot/status/1937504494763278711

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https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russia-mali-sign-nuclear-energy-cooperation-agreement/

Russia, Mali Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement

June 24, 2025 Africa, Energy, Exports, Investment By Russia's Pivot to Asia

Russia and Mali have signed an agreement of cooperation concerning the use of nuclear energy, following the visit of Mali’s transitional president, Assimi Goita, to Russia. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had previously ordered the signing of agreements between the Russian government and the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The corresponding agreement with Burkina Faso was signed last week.

According to these agreements, Russia intends to cooperate with Mali and Burkina Faso in creating and improving nuclear energy infrastructure and designing and constructing power and research nuclear reactors and particle accelerators, as well as water desalination plants. Other areas of cooperation include nuclear fuel cycle services for nuclear power plants and research reactors, radioactive waste management, and nuclear and radiation safety.

https://russiaspivottoasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mali-Map.jpg

In 2023, Rosatom announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Mali on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The parties also discussed prospects for collaboration between the two countries in geological exploration and mining and in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Mali’s Minister of Economy and Finance Alousseni Sanou reported at last year’s Russian Energy Week that Mali planned to begin lithium mining and processing with Russia.

Rosatom Renewable Energy (until 2024—NovaWind)—Rosatom’s wind energy division—is also working with the government of Mali in the construction of a 200-megawatt (MW) solar power plant near the capital, Bamako. Last year, the company’s CEO, Grigory Nazarov, said that the construction of the power plant is expected to increase electricity production in Mali by 10%. He was quoted as saying, “The construction, which will cost €200 million (US$217 million), will take a year. The solar power plant is designed to operate steadily for 20 years and will come under the full control of Mali’s Ministry of Energy in 10 years.”

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🇧🇫🇳🇪🇲🇱 An assembly of the diaspora community of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was held in Naples, Italy.

The iconic Piazza Garibaldi hosted artists and community members from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as diplomats, in an event to raise awareness about the new political and development projects undertaken by the revolutionary governments of the Sahel region in Africa, which are standing up to European colonialism.

https://x.com/peoplesdispatch/status/1945200442939744462

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From Sputnik Africa,

"Turning Point" for the AES: Confederation Bank Enters Operational Phase

The Economy and Finance Ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) met in Niamey to speed up the launch of the Confederation Bank for Investment and Development (BCID-AES).



THREAD🧵👇

1/5

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1948782690880180362

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A Decisive Step Forward

The ministers agreed to release the capital for BCID-AES within the required timeframe to enable a swift start.

2/5

More Than Just a Bank

The BCID should be more than a financial institution, emphasized Mali’s Finance Minister Alousséni Sanou.

He sees it as a true instrument of economic sovereignty, according to a Sputnik Africa correspondent.

3/5
https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1948782701265162421

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Key Goals

BCID-AES aims to:

✔️ Finance infrastructure and priority projects within AES;

✔️ Reduce reliance on external funding;

✔️ Strengthen economic and financial autonomy.

4/5

Next Steps

To ensure success, foundational studies and legal documents must be validated, Sanou stressed.

He also called on the public to support the initiative and help promote the new bank.

5/5

https://x.com/sputnik_africa/status/1948782710165590200

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🇺🇸🇧🇫🇲🇱🇳🇪The sudden love for the AES that we witnessed this week from the US and Egypt, is deeply unsettling and appears coordinated.

AES citizens are very aware that this is not a good faith move, and it is designed to counter the strong partnership and influence that Russia has been able to establish in the AES, which seeks mutually beneficial partnership without interference in issues of sovereignty.

The US and France spent over 20 years in Mali and Niger and Burkina Faso,under the guise of fighting terror, and left the AES in a worst state than when they entered. Why do they think Africans would have faith in them this time around.

The AES must smile and welcome they offer of assistance, but at the same time exercise extreme vigilance.

The AES has moved so far, to allow the US to drag it back.

https://x.com/cecild84/status/1948688476754309341

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DD Geopolitics

🇧🇫🇳🇬 This is the Nigerian Air Force C-130 that was forced to land in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

According to Burkinabè authorities, the aircraft was carrying “sensitive cargo” reportedly destined for the Republic of Niger.

Burkina Faso is now refusing to release the 11 Nigerian military personnel onboard until Abuja explains why the flight entered Burkinabè airspace with zero diplomatic clearance.

Is this the spark that finally pulls ECOWAS and AES into open war?

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1998186423221096623
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Sy Marcus Herve Traore

🚨 Breaking News 🇧🇫- Burkina Faso captures a Nigerian aircraft.

Today, a Nigerian military aircraft C-130 that was illegally flying over Burkina Faso's airspace was intercepted and forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso with an onboard crew consisting of soldiers. There were a pilot and copilot plus 9 soldiers.

After investigation, they found out the plane didn’t have any authorization whatsoever. Therefore, the AES condemns this illegal violation of its airspace and of its sovereignty.

This press release bears the stamp of the Confederation of the AES, and it says that with orders from
@GoitaAssimi

@CapitaineIb226
and General Tiani
@NIGER_CNSP
, the green light has been given to all our land and air defense systems to shoot down any aircraft that violates the territorial integrity of the AES!

@officialABAT
you see?
@CapitaineIb226
is young enough to be your son, but you will learn that the boy got more balls than you. Useless puppet! Long live the AES! Down with imperialism and their sellouts!

Correction: here’s the official statement that I translated for you. It says that,

“The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace. The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel…”

So, the plane was forced to land following an in-flight emergency. The government should give us more details about what that in-flight emergency is. 🤔

But clearly, the AES condemning the violation of his airspace and calling for maximum alert of our anti air defense systems and to shoot down any aircraft that violates our territory is a serious, especially when we know what Tinubu did yesterday by bombing Benin 🇧🇯.

https://x.com/marcus_herve/status/1998161298199359746

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https://x.com/ali_naka/status/1997731039733780719

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Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸

Dec 25
🚨🇧🇫🇲🇱🇳🇪 BREAKING: At the annual Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Heads of State summit, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally inaugurated the AES joint development bank.

https://x.com/jacksonhinklle/status/2004160201650483286

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Sahel Revolutionary Soldier

ECOWAS needs to up its game in 2026, if it is to retain its minuscule credibility in the eyes of West Africans:

ECOWAS and the African Union failed to deliver true African integration. The AES Sahel States are charting a new Pan-African path shared security, common identity, and economic sovereignty. In just 2 years, they’ve shown what 50 years could not. This is the leadership Africa needs. One Africa. One Destiny. ✊

https://x.com/cecild84/status/2004567392966344888

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