In brief
In Niamey, Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani and Malian transitional president Assimi Goita reaffirmed their support for the Confederation of Sahel States and pledged to strengthen counterterrorism efforts. The leaders condemned mercenary interference and highlighted coordination in security, diplomacy, and development, including free movement, transport infrastructure, agro‑industrial growth, and resource exploitation. Goita invited Tiani to visit Mali, with the visit’s date to be set through diplomatic channels.
In Niamey on November 6, 2026, Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani and Malian transitional president Assimi Goita met at Diori Hamani International Airport to reaffirm their commitment to the Confederation of Sahel States and to intensify their joint fight against terrorism.
The two leaders held a one‑on‑one meeting before chairing an expanded working session attended by members of the two delegations. Their discussions focused on the security situation across the AES region, as well as progress made in defense and security, diplomacy, and development.
Security was a central theme. The leaders welcomed the results achieved by the AES Unified Force in combating terrorist groups and re‑stated their determination to eradicate terrorism in all its forms. They also condemned attempts to destabilize the member states of the confederation by mercenaries allegedly backed by foreign governments.
On the diplomatic front, the leaders highlighted coordination of the positions and initiatives of AES countries, describing it as a means of strengthening the confederation’s visibility and standing at the subregional, African, and international levels.
The communique noted efforts to coordinate policies and programs in areas that include the free movement of people and goods, transport infrastructure, agro‑industrial development, and the exploitation of energy and mineral resources. While the communiqué did not detail specific mechanisms, these policy areas could affect citizens by improving transport, economic opportunities, and access to resources.
Goita invited President Tiani to make an official visit to Mali, an invitation that Tiani accepted. The specific date of that visit will be determined through diplomatic channels, as stated in the joint communique.
Established in July 2024 by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the Confederation of Sahel States provides a framework for cooperation among the three countries in defense and security, diplomacy, and development.
Overall, the meeting underscored the bilateral commitment to the AES framework and to a coordinated response against terrorism, while also signaling future visits and policy alignment between the two North‑African nations.
