Tuesday, September 16, 2025, marks two years since the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a bloc uniting Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger after their withdrawal from ECOWAS. Formed under military leadership, the alliance pledged to coordinate defense and development policies, with counterterrorism at its core.

Despite ambitious goals, results remain uneven. The region continues to face deadly insurgent attacks, and citizens in capitals like Niamey express doubts about whether the alliance has delivered greater security.

Authorities, however, insist the alliance has strengthened cooperation and reduced reliance on Western partners. As the group enters its third year, its ability to demonstrate tangible security gains will be closely scrutinized both at home and abroad.