Isolation of Alliance of Sahel States fuels Islamist insurgency in the region

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, was formed in 2023 to promote political, economic, and security cooperation. All three countries are under military rule, aligned with Russia, and have exited Ecowas, citing Western bias. Despite its ambitions, AES has failed to curb Islamist insurgencies by groups like JNIM and ISGS, due to weak governance, porous borders, and limited resources. Russian support via the Wagner Group has been ineffective and controversial. Poverty, climate stress, and marginalization exacerbate insecurity. The future of AES hinges on governance reforms, improved security, and re-engagement with regional and global partners.