In brief
In Niamey, Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani hosted Malian transitional president Assimi Goita for a one‑on‑one meeting and an expanded working session. The leaders issued a joint communique reaffirming their commitment to the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), praised the AES Unified Force’s anti‑terrorist gains, condemned alleged mercenary interference, and agreed to coordinate future visits and policies across security, diplomacy, and development. Tiani accepted Goita’s invitation to visit Mali, with the date to be set through diplomatic channels.
At Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport on 6 November, Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani welcomed Malian transitional president Assimi Goita for a working and friendship visit that ended with a joint communique reaffirming their commitment to the Confederation of Sahel States and a renewed push against terrorism.
The two leaders held a one‑on‑one meeting before chairing an expanded working session attended by members of their delegations. They discussed the security situation in the AES region and advances in defense, security, diplomacy and development.
Confirmed Details
Both leaders welcomed the progress made by the AES Unified Force in combating terrorist groups and pledged to eradicate terrorism in all its forms. They condemned attempts to destabilize member states with mercenaries allegedly backed by foreign governments. The communique highlighted coordination of positions and initiatives at the subregional, African and international levels, and emphasized joint policies on free movement of people and goods, transport infrastructure, agro‑industrial development and exploitation of energy and mineral resources.
Goita invited Tiani to make an official visit to Mali, an invitation Tiani accepted. The exact date will be determined through diplomatic channels. The Confederation of Sahel States, formed in July 2024 by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, provides a framework for cooperation in defense and security, diplomacy and development.
Unconfirmed Claims
The leaders claimed that mercenaries allegedly backed by foreign governments were attempting to destabilize the confederation. That allegation remains unverified.
