When Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger launched the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023, it was conceived as a military defense pact between the junta-led countries to combat jihadist groups and uphold national sovereignty. The alliance has since expanded its ambitions to include political and economic integration.

But two years on, the gap between expectations and reality appears wide: economic conditions remain fragile, and for many citizens, daily life has seen little improvement. Perhaps most notably, the AES is facing escalating insecurity — especially in Mali and Burkina Faso, where large parts of the countryside remain beyond government control. Niger's situation remains tense despite official claims of progress.

Niger: Between strategic support and political marginalization

Skepticism about the alliance is particularly strong in Niger. Critics like Siraji Issa, head of the Movement of Youth for the Emergence of Niger (MOJEN), say the government invests more in the AES than it gains in return.

"Since the creation of this so-called AES, Niger has been the loser," Issa says. "We sell our oil to Mali and Burkina Faso at half the domestic price – yet when we sever diplomatic ties or expel NGOs, our AES partners continue to work with them as usual."

He also highlights military imbalances: "Nigerien soldiers have repeatedly defended Malian or Burkinabe territory, but nothing has come back from these countries."

Others take a more optimistic view. Activist Moussa Adamou sees the AES as strengthening Niger's geopolitical position.

"Niger has gained two committed allies in the fight against terrorism," he told DW, pointing to regional solidarity during the ECOWAS crisis and logistical support from Burkina Faso during the closure of the border with Benin.

Mali: Economic integration still elusive

In Mali, criticism focuses less on security cooperation and more on the lack of economic progress.

At Bamako's central market, traders like Modibo Boiré complain about falling sales. The debate over a sovereign currency is gaining momentum again. Many call for deeper economic integration, including a common market and the abandonment of the CFA franc — a colonial-era currency pegged to the Euro.

Activists like Ibou Sy see a national currency as a symbol of regained sovereignty. However, economists such as Modibo Mao Makalou urge caution:

"If we do not fundamentally restructure our economies, a new currency will remain weak," Makalou told DW.

Burkina Faso: Persistent violence and criticism of military strategy

In Burkina Faso, public concern centers on the tense security situation. The height of violence came in May 2025, when the jihadist group JNIM (Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin) — linked to al-Qaida — killed over 100 people, including soldiers and civilians, in the besieged northern town of Djibo.

Observers say the military government under Ibrahim Traoré increasingly relies on poorly trained local militias and military escalation. Despite rhetoric suggesting progress, analysts believe there has been little tangible improvement since the establishment of the AES.

Security: Joint force remains pipe dream

One of AES's key promises was to establish a joint military force. Two years later, it still exists only on paper.

Nigerien human rights activist Alhadji Baba Almakiyya describes this as a serious failure: "If the AES joint force were operational, the security situation would look very different today. Instead, we hear about too many officers behind desks — and too few on the front lines."

He calls for decisive action: "The governments must finally establish the force and use it effectively to fight terror."