Mali’s transitional President Assimi Goïta and Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tiani have vowed to intensify the fight against terrorism, hailing what they described as successes chalked up by the joint force of the Alliance of Sahel States.
The two leaders made the pledge during talks in Niamey on Thursday, where Goïta was welcomed with military honours and presented with a ceremonial gift by Tiani.
At the centre of the discussions was the security situation in the Sahel, where armed groups continue to threaten communities across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
“They expressed particular satisfaction with the actions of the Confederation’s Unified Force, which have achieved successes in the fight against terrorism,” Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare told reporters after the talks.
The two heads of state also paid tribute to military and civilian martyrs and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.
The leaders said the progress made by the Unified Force shows the value of the three countries working together, rather than relying on outside partners.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso formed the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023 and turned it into a confederation in July 2024 to deepen cooperation on security, diplomacy and development.
Beyond the security talks, the two leaders also welcomed closer diplomatic coordination and efforts to strengthen economic ties, including work on the free movement of people and goods, transport infrastructure, agro-industrial development and the exploitation of energy and mineral resources.
Goïta also invited Tiani to visit Mali, an invitation the Nigerien leader accepted, with a date yet to be announced.
The visit is expected to provide another opportunity for the two leaders to review the anti-terror fight and the future of the Sahel confederation.
Credit: Viory
