Sahel Alliance AES Summit 2025: A High-Stakes Break from the West

They've joined hands, but the enemy is at the gates. The Sahel trio is betting everything on a Russian-backed future, severing old ties with the West. On December 23, 2025, leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger gathered in Bamako for the second summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), marking a decisive shift in the region's geopolitical landscape.

Sahel Alliance AES Summit 2025: Building New Institutions

The summit wasn't just about optics; it was a ribbon-cutting moment for a new regional order. The three nations inaugurated the Sahel Investment and Development Bank, designed to bypass Western lenders like the World Bank. They also formalized a joint military force to combat insurgency and launched a unified television channel. These moves signal a concerted effort to build a shared narrative of sovereignty, independent of former colonial influences.

Out with France, In with Russia

The strategic pivot away from France is now nearly complete. From a peak of over 5,000 troops, French presence has vanished, replaced by an increasing reliance on Russian security assistance. Anti-French sentiment has become a powerful unifying force, with the CFA franc and French media viewed as symbols of interference rather than partnership.

The Siege Within: Al-Qaeda and Economic Reality

Despite the celebratory tone in the halls of power, the security situation remains precarious. The al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM has maintained a blockade around Bamako since September 2024, causing severe fuel shortages. Furthermore, the IMF has stalled loans due to the breakdown in relations with France. The alliance’s ambitious infrastructure dreams now face the harsh reality of empty coffers and a capital city under quiet siege.