Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, is hosting a key sub-regional meeting aimed at creating the parliament of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The gathering, which began on August 11, brings together experts from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Delegates are working to finalize the structure and functioning of AES institutions, as well as outline the mandate for future parliamentarians.

The move is seen as a step toward deeper political cooperation among the three Sahelian nations.