Sahel States: Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Launch AES Joint Parliament in Historic Step | Firstpost Afr

⁣Watch this video as Firstpost examines how ⁣The Confederal Parliament of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) officially launched its inaugural session on August 24, 2026 in Niamey, Niger. This event marks a major transition for the bloc—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—evolving from a primarily military and security pact into a highly structured political and economic union.

The move follows the creation of a joint military force, a development bank and common identity documents, while the three nations have also moved away from ECOWAS. But the new Sahel project faces major tests, from dependence on coastal trade routes to the persistent threat from JNIM and Islamic State Sahel. With Russia deepening ties with the bloc and China watching its economic potential, the AES could become an increasingly important geopolitical force in Africa. Alyson Le Grange tells you more on Firstpost Africa.TIME STAMPS:00:00 — AES Launches First Joint Parliament00:25 — Sahel Bloc Builds New Political Order00:50 — 45 Representatives Begin Confederal Session01:15 — Three Nations Move Toward One Legislative System01:40 — AES Builds Joint Force And Common Institutions02:05 — From Defence Pact To Full Confederation02:30 — AES Breaks With The Old West African Order02:55 — ECOWAS Door Remains Open As AES Goes Its Own Way03:20 — Landlocked Sahel Still Depends On ECOWAS States03:45 — Ports And Trade Routes Test AES Sovereignty04:10 — JNIM And Islamic State Threaten Sahel Security04:35 — Russia Emerges As Key AES Partner05:00 — New Parliament Could Give AES One Foreign Voice05:25 — China Watches AES Economic Integration05:50 — Gold And Uranium Drive Resource Sovereignty Push06:15 — Traore Demands African Self-Reliance06:40 — Who Really Speaks For The Sahel?07:00 — AES Institutions Face Democratic Legitimacy Test07:20 — Can The Confederation Outlive Its Three Leaders?07:40 — The Future Of Sahel Sovereignty Hangs In The Balance---Mali | Niger | Burkina Faso | Joint Parliament | Sahel | ECOWAS | Firstpost Africa | Alyson Le Grange | Africa | Firstpost#mali #niger #burkinafaso #jointparliament #sahel #ecowas #firstpostafrica #africa #alysonlegrange #firstpostfirstpost is an Indian news and media website. Get all the incisive opinions, in-depth analyses and other visual stories that matter to you and the world right here on this channel. Subscribe to Firstpost channel and press the bell icon to get notified when we go live. https://www.youtube.com/@FirstpostFollow Firstpost on Website:https://www.firstpost.comFollow Firstpost on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/firstpost/ Follow Firstpost on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/firstpostin/ Follow Firstpost on X:https://twitter.com/firstpostFollow Firstpost on WhatsApp:https://www.whatsapp.com/chann....el/0029Va6zOIrEQIams