Despite a strong presence, the Sahelian bloc asserts that it is not there to beg for assistance.
On the eve of the forum, which runs from September 4 to 6, the current Chairman of the AES, Colonel Assimi Goita, convened with delegations from Niger and Burkina Faso. These delegations, led by Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who also serves as Minister of Economy and Finance, and Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem De Tambela, engaged in strategic discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation with China, a growing partner for the AES.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Zeine emphasized the commitment of AES member states to adopt a unified strategy to protect their interests amid current challenges. “President Goita is the President of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). As such, we have been instructed by our respective Presidents, General Tiani and Captain Ibrahim Traore, to make a courtesy visit and pay respect to our brother and friend who leads our Confederation,” he stated.
The prime ministers underscored the importance of maximizing the benefits of cooperation with China while firmly guarding their national interests. “We listened attentively to the President, who offered us valuable insights and instructions to accelerate the ongoing efforts to strengthen this Confederation,” Zeine added.
According to the Niger Prime Minister, while China naturally seeks to defend its own interests as a strategic partner, the AES nations are determined to “stand firm, protect our interests, and ensure that China’s engagement genuinely contributes to our development and the prosperity of our peoples.”
The AES leaders clarified that their intention is not to solicit aid but rather to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. “We have not come to solicit charity. Our countries possess rich human and natural resources. We are here to explore how China can increase its investment in us. We come with confidence, ready to showcase what we have to offer and to encourage China to engage with African nations,” Zeine concluded.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA