The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has criticized what it calls external political pressure aimed at restricting its right of access to the sea. The statement was made during the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan.

Comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the AES covers nearly three million square kilometers but has no direct coastline, creating structural challenges for trade and economic growth.

Leaders argue that denying sea access violates international conventions and hinders the development of millions of people in the region.

They reiterated calls for fair treatment and regional cooperation to overcome the logistical and economic barriers of being landlocked.