AES trajectory will not change after Mali attack, says Jonas Hien
via Lefaso.net5 min read
Following terrorist attacks in Mali on April 25, 2026, Burkinabe civil society actor Jonas Som茅 called for increased vigilance from youth and all stakeholders, asserting that the dynamic initiated by the three AES leaders must continue to its conclusion. He stated that the Confederation of Sahel States AES has chosen to take control of its destiny, marking a break from decades of political, economic, security, cultural, and diplomatic dependence. This pursuit of integral sovereignty is a decisive turning point in contemporary Sahelian history. This path to emancipation faces resistance, disrupting established interests and exposing member states to renewed pressure and destabilization attempts. The resurgence of terrorist attacks in the AES region, including the recent attack in Mali that killed General Sadio Camara, Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, highlights the threats faced by the Confederation. Affirming sovereignty requires concrete capacity to control territory, secure populations, manage natural resources, and define international partnerships. AES states inherit fragile systems, including economic dependence, under-equipped armies, weak institutions, and economies dominated by raw material exports. An intense information war also manipulates perceptions to discredit sovereign efforts. The fundamental issue is control over natural resources, especially minerals, which have long benefited external interests rather than local populations. Regaining control of t
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Must ReadThree days after an attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the Niger's Integrated Operations Coordination Center CICO has released investigation findings. Interrogations of an arrested assailant revealed a small house used as a base and preparation center for the terrorist operations. This dwelling was located approximately one kilometer northeast of the airport. An intervention unit, supported by military engineers and firefighters, raided the house. Searches uncovered a new Toyota Yaris taxi, registered CJ 4418, and several suitcases hidden underground. These suitcases contained personal effects and a significant amount of combat material, including AK-47 assault rifles, magazines, Motorola communication devices, and various equipment used in preparing the attack. Following a complete exploration of the site, military engineering specialists demolished the house and destroyed the vehicle. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Nigerien Defense and Security Forces thwarted a terrorist attack targeting the Niamey international airport terminal. In the initial stages, 22 assailants were neutralized and 20 suspects were apprehended as part of the ongoing investigations.
Must ReadMinisters of foreign affairs from the AES Confederation praised the leadership of the three heads of state for their vision in building a sovereign, secure, and prosperous shared space. They highlighted significant progress in the confederation's architecture, particularly in defense/security, diplomacy, and development. Karamoko Jean Marie Traor茅, whose country holds the confederation's presidency, and his counterparts noted tangible results in counter-terrorism efforts, establishing the confederation as a major geopolitical entity, and promoting sustainable development. Mali's Minister Abdoulaye Diop condemned recent terrorist attacks in Mali and Niger, and denounced disinformation, manipulation, and media relay orchestrated by foreign state sponsors aiming to destabilize their states. The ministers reaffirmed the AES states' resilience and determination to achieve full sovereignty despite challenges. The session also focused on strategic diplomatic cooperation, strengthening coordination among member states, and promoting common interests internationally. They reviewed political, legal, and diplomatic documents to enhance bilateral and multilateral partnerships within the confederation. Discussions acknowledged progress in implementing the heads of state's directives in security, diplomacy, and geopolitics, reflecting their commitment to pooling resources for the populations' aspirations. The ministers agreed to strengthen diplomatic coordination to present a united front
Germany defeated C么te d'Ivoire 2-1 in a World Cup 2026 match. Germany started with strong possession, but an early goal was disallowed due to a foul. C么te d'Ivoire then capitalized on a defensive error in the 30th minute, with Franck Kessi茅 scoring to give them a 1-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, C么te d'Ivoire had chances to extend their lead, but Chris Inao's shot in the 52nd minute was off target. Germany's coach made substitutions at the hour mark, bringing in Deniz Undav and Nadiem Amiri. This proved effective, as Deniz Undav equalized in the 68th minute with an assist from Nadiem Amiri. Despite several decisive saves by Yahia Fofana, Deniz Undav scored his second goal in the 90+4 minute, securing a 2-1 victory for Germany. C么te d'Ivoire, also known as the Elephants, will play Cura莽ao in their third group stage match for qualification.