In brief
On Nov. 6, Niger and Mali’s heads of state issued a joint communique in Niamey, underscoring strengthened cooperation within the Confederation of Sahel States and emphasizing advances made by the AES Unified Force in counter‑terrorism. They condemned mercenary attempts to destabilise the region and agreed on future diplomatic coordination.
On Nov. 6, Niger and Mali’s presidents issued a joint communique in Niamey that reaffirmed their commitment to the Confederation of Sahel States, according to Xinhua.
The leaders were Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani and Malian transitional president Assimi Goita, who had just conducted a state visit to one another’s capitals. Goita was received by Tiani at Diori Hamani International Airport before the leaders met for a one‑on‑one discussion.
During the meeting, they praised the progress of the AES Unified Force against terrorist groups and reaffirmed their determination to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.
Both leaders condemned attempts to destabilise the member states of the confederation by mercenaries allegedly backed by foreign governments.
The communique highlighted coordination of policies and programs across security, diplomacy and development, noting advances in free movement of people and goods, transport infrastructure, agro‑industrial development and the exploitation of energy and mineral resources.
Goita invited President Tiani to make an official visit to Mali, an invitation Tiani accepted, with the date to be determined through diplomatic channels. The Confederation of Sahel States, established in July 2024 by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, provides a framework for cooperation among the three countries in defense and security, diplomacy and development.
