Alliance of Sahel States (AES)

Force in Play

Operational since September 2023; became confederation in July 2024

Armed men on motorcycles attacked Niger's main airport and military air base outside Niamey on January 29, 2026, triggering a firefight that left 20 attackers dead and 4 security personnel wounded. Military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the assault, but the Islamic State – Sahel Province claimed responsibility through its Amaq News Agency, and Benin rejected the junta's allegations.

Updated May 26

Force in Play

Active defensive and economic alliance; launched 5,000-strong unified military force December 2025; rotating presidency now under Traoré

Three West African nations ruled by military juntas just banned Americans from entering their countries. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger (the Alliance of Sahel States) announced reciprocal travel restrictions on January 5, directly mirroring Trump's December expansion of the U.S. travel ban.

Updated May 19