Alliance of Sahel States launches TV station to fight disinformation

The leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a grouping composed of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, have inaugurated a new regional broadcaster based in the Malian capital, Bamako.

The AES Television is considered a key step toward shared media sovereignty for the West African group, and has been described in official communications as an instrument to counter disinformation and promote the region's narrative.

It was launched on Tuesday by Malian President Gen. Assimi Goita, Burkinabe President Capt. Ibrahim Traore and Nigerien President Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani who met in Bamako for a two-day summit to evaluate the first year of the AES confederation.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2025 following a yearlong process.

A statement from the Burkinabe presidency said the leaders would review implementation reports, adopt decisions to consolidate achievements and address major challenges facing AES.

Traore was also scheduled to meet the Burkinabe community in Mali.

Recent milestones of AES include last week’s launch of the AES Unified Force (FU-AES) that has its headquarters in Niamey. It is planned to have around 5,000 troops to combat armed groups.

The group has also established the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (BCID-AES), with an initial capital of 500 billion CFA francs (nearly $900 million), that aims to reduce reliance on external donors in financing infrastructure, energy and agriculture projects.

The AES, encompassing some 78 million people, continues to deepen integration in security, economy and information signaling a push for greater regional autonomy in the Sahel.