The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) expressed its “deep indignation” on Thursday, following the adoption by the European Parliament of a resolution on the situation of former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum.
In a statement released on Thursday, the AES denounced a “serious, concerted and deliberate interference” in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, in response to the resolution adopted on March 12, 2026, by the European institution.
This resolution specifically addresses the detention of Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown in the 2023 coup in Niger.
The Sahelian organisation also criticised what it called the European Parliament’s “inopportune and malicious selectivity,” accusing it of ignoring other violations of international law as well as the ongoing security crisis in the Sahel region.
According to the statement, this resolution is part of a strategy to preserve “unacknowledged economic and geostrategic interests” linked to a “bygone colonial past.”
The AES further believes that the document’s initiators are seeking to reinstate a system that does not serve the aspirations of the Sahelian populations.
The Confederation also asserts that it receives “neither injunctions nor lessons in governance,” calling on the European actors to focus on their own internal challenges.
Finally, the AES emphasises that this stance taken by the European Parliament, deemed “out of step” with the current political, economic and social dynamics within the confederation, “should in no way influence its progress.”
The statement is signed by the current President of the AES, Captain Ibrahim Traore, who is also the Head of State of Burkina Faso.
HO/te/Sf/fss/gik/APA