The second summit of heads of state of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has concluded in Bamako, Mali.

The meeting allowed military leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to review the bloc’s first year of cooperation in security, diplomacy, and development.

Discussions focused on strengthening joint responses to regional challenges and advancing the confederation’s objectives.

At the close of the summit, Burkina Faso’s Transitional President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, was appointed chair of the AES on a rotating basis.