Abdoulaye Diop Reaffirms AES Solidarity with Niger After Incursion at Niamey Airport
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) intends to strengthen its diplomatic coordination and political solidarity in response to security challenges. Meeting in Mali with his counterparts from Burkina Faso and Niger, Abdoulaye Diop reaffirmed the support of the member states for the Nigerien authorities and people following an attempted incursion at Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport.
The Malian minister described this solidarity as the expression of a shared commitment among Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. He also stressed the three countries’ determination to harmonise their positions on major international issues and make their shared voice heard in international forums.
Solidarity reaffirmed after the incursion in Niamey
In his remarks, Abdoulaye Diop referred to an attempted incursion at Diori Hamani International Airport, which occurred shortly before the ministerial meeting. He said Niger had repelled the attack, while offering condolences to bereaved families and wishing those injured a swift recovery.
Above all, he expressed his “full and unwavering fraternal solidarity” with the Nigerien authorities and people. This position forms part of the cooperation pursued by the Confederation of Sahel States, whose members highlight the defence of their security, stability and sovereignty.
The statement did not provide details on the circumstances of the incursion, the identity of those involved or a numerical casualty toll. It nevertheless stressed that the Nigerien authorities had confronted the attack and that its human consequences had prompted condolences and a message of support for the injured.
Diplomacy, a central pillar of the AES Confederation
For Abdoulaye Diop, diplomacy holds an important place in the AES Confederation’s roadmap. This approach follows directives issued by the council of heads of state at its second session, held in Bamako on 23 December 2025.
According to him, these directives were translated into actions, objectives and activities in order to pursue the confederation’s ambitions. The stated goal is to strengthen fraternity, solidarity and complementarity among the three states.
The minister said that the Confederation now speaks with one voice at international forums and during major geopolitical events. He also reported gradual harmonisation of national positions on numerous international issues.
This effort to establish common positions is presented as a response to the expectations of the populations of the three countries. According to AES authorities, it should also strengthen the Confederation’s ability to defend its political and diplomatic choices.
Claims of external interference attributed to AES authorities
Abdoulaye Diop described a context marked, in his view, by external interference and meddling. He said these factors hinder the implementation of the shared project of the AES member states.
He also stated that terrorist attacks targeting the confederation’s territory are part of geopolitical dynamics. In his speech, he attributed a role in supporting terrorist coalitions to “foreign state sponsors”, without naming any state or providing details of the evidence supporting this allegation.
The Malian minister argued that these actors sought to destabilise national institutions and overthrow the authorities in power. He linked this alleged hostility to the sovereignty claims advanced by the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
He also condemned what he regarded as media support for terrorist coalitions, in a context he described as information warfare. These assessments reflect the position expressed by the Malian minister on behalf of the confederation’s initiative.
A vision extending beyond security crises
Beyond security issues, Abdoulaye Diop promoted a vision of the AES as a space of dignity, peace, stability and shared prosperity. He stressed that the Confederation should not be reduced to a succession of crises.
He highlighted the natural and human resources of the three countries, their resilience, their capacity to adapt and their openness to the world. These factors are presented as assets that could support the harmonious development of the confederation’s territory.
The minister also referred to ambitious reforms, improved governance, a more attractive investment environment, and several infrastructure and connectivity projects. He cited achievements or areas of action involving education, health, culture, sport and artificial intelligence in particular.
These priorities reflect the AES authorities’ stated intention to combine security, diplomatic cooperation and development. They also rely on increased coordination among the administrations and officials of the three states.
Coordination among Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger
The meeting brought together the foreign ministers of the three member countries. Abdoulaye Diop welcomed the attendance of Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, Burkina Faso’s minister of foreign affairs, and Bakary Yaou Sangaré, minister of foreign affairs, cooperation and Nigeriens abroad.
He concluded by reaffirming a shared commitment with Burkina Faso and Niger to strengthen diplomatic coordination at every level of responsibility. This cooperation is presented as an essential tool for maintaining unity and advancing the objectives of the Confederation of Sahel States.
FAQ
What support did Abdoulaye Diop express for Niger?
He offered condolences to bereaved families, wished the injured a speedy recovery and reaffirmed the AES’s fraternal solidarity with the Nigerien authorities and people following the attempted incursion at Niamey airport.
What role does diplomacy play in the AES?
According to Abdoulaye Diop, diplomacy is an important pillar of the confederation’s roadmap. Its purpose includes harmonising the positions of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger so that they can defend common positions internationally.
What development objectives are mentioned for the AES?
The objectives cited include infrastructure development, improved connectivity, education, health, culture, sport, artificial intelligence, better governance and the creation of an attractive investment environment.
