Niger's Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, met with Mr. Bassolma Bazie, President of Burkina Faso's Alliance of Sahel States (AES) national committee, in Niamey on Monday, July 27, 2026. Mr. Bazie was in Niamey for the commemoration of Sovereignty and Patriotism Day. The meeting, which included Nigerien Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Abdoulaye Seydou, focused on regional solidarity. Bassolma Bazie stated, "the sons worthy of Africa came to power on July 26, 2023, for the firm fight to liberate the country to achieve full sovereignty of Niger within the framework of the confederation of Sahel States." He added, "what happens in Niamey fully engages Ouagadougou and Bamako."
Regional Sovereignty Discussions
Mr. Bassolma Bazie, President of Burkina Faso's Alliance of Sahel States (AES) national committee, stated that the political changes in Niger on July 26, 2023, were part of a broader regional movement. Mr. Bazie characterized the events of that date as the arrival of "the sons worthy of Africa... For the firm fight to liberate the country to achieve full sovereignty of Niger within the framework of the confederation of Sahel States." This statement links the leadership in Niamey directly to a vision of regional sovereignty and cooperation.
Mr. Bazie further emphasized the interconnectedness of the AES member states, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, regarding political developments. He declared that "what happens in Niamey fully engages Ouagadougou and Bamako." This comment notes a shared destiny and mutual commitment among the three nations that form the Alliance of Sahel States.
Context of AES Alliance
Mr. Bassolma Bazie, President of Burkina Faso's Alliance of Sahel States (AES) national committee, articulated the deep connection between the member states, emphasizing a shared identity and future. He stated that his presence in Niamey on July 26, 2026, went beyond mere support. "On July 26, 2026, it is not support that we came to offer, but to carry their day, as the motto of the confederation clearly states: 'one space, one people, one destiny'," Mr. Bazie said. This declaration shows the foundational principle of the AES, noting a collective sense of purpose and a unified vision for the region's future. The motto serves as a guiding tenet for the confederation, linking the political and social developments across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Statements on Colonial Threats
The President of Burkina Faso's Alliance of Sahel States (AES) national committee, Mr. Bassolma Bazie, referenced a previous declaration concerning threats to Niger's sovereignty. Mr. Bazie recalled a statement made by the President of the Republic of Mali, General of the Army Assimi Goita. This declaration, which addressed "colonial vampires," was made in support of Niger when there was discussion of an attack on its sovereignty. Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso, also supported the statement. The reference by Mr. Bazie showed the AES stance against external interventions perceived as undermining the sovereignty of member states. This reiteration notes a shared position among the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger regarding perceived colonial threats and the defense of their national autonomy within the regional alliance.