Niger, Mali leaders meet in Bamako, pledge stronger Sahel confederation
By: Zagazola Makama
President of the Republic of Niger, Gen. Abdurahamane Tiani, on Wednesday paid a visit to Mali’s Transitional President, Gen. Assimi Goita, in Bamako, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation under the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States (CIGE).
Tiani said his visit was aimed at expressing gratitude to Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea for their solidarity with Niger during the political crisis of 2023, when ECOWAS threatened military intervention following the change of government in Niamey.
According to him, the support from Sahel neighbours was a “sacrifice” that demonstrated their readiness to defend Niger in the face of external aggression.
“I came to affirm to my brother Assimi Goita and to the Malian people our gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices made. They were ready to enter a war if Niger had been attacked, and this will never be forgotten,” he said.
The Nigerien leader recalled that the three countries first launched the Alliance of Sahel States on Sept. 16, 2023, which later evolved into the Confederation of Sahel States in 2024 in Niamey.
He explained that the confederation is anchored on three pillars: defence and security, diplomacy and development.
On security, Tiani disclosed that the joint Sahel force was already operational, with battalions formed and deployed in bilateral and multilateral operations. He said the unified military command headquartered in Niamey was being consolidated to ensure all defence matters are managed under one structure.
“Our ambition is to go further. The joint force is operational, but we want to consolidate it to fully address security threats across our borders,” he said.
On diplomacy, the Nigerien president noted that the Sahel states had adopted a unified approach in international engagements.
“Whether at the United Nations or any other global forum, our representatives now maintain the same position and defend the same interests,” he added.
Tiani also announced the creation of the Sahel Confederation Investment and Development Bank, which he said was ready to take off, with its headquarters and supporting structures already established.
He explained that the bank’s modalities of operation would be finalised during the next summit scheduled to hold in Bamako.
“Everything is ready, and the next meeting here will specify the details of its functioning,” he said.
Although the Nigerien leader described his trip as one meant to be discreet, he acknowledged that the discussions covered sensitive issues, some of which could not be made public at this stage.
“There are domains we cannot mention now. But at our next meeting, more details will be shared,” he told journalists.
