# Alliance of Sahel States regional cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alliance-of-sahel-states-regional-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-08-10T17:15:29.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

In July 2026, Burkina Faso hosted two significant events in Ouagadougou focused on regional stability. The International Community of Sufis held its first extraordinary congress to promote social cohesion and religious involvement in counter-extremism efforts. Concurrently, the third International AES Panel convened to review the progress of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) since its 2024 formation, focusing on sovereignty and food security.

From August 9 to 14, 2026, Burkina Faso hosted the second AES humanitarian forum in Ouagadougou, following the inaugural edition held in Mali in August 2025. The forum brought together humanitarian actors from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to develop sustainable solutions for host populations, internally displaced persons, refugees, and victims of regional crises and natural disasters. Mali was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Health and Social Development, Colonel-major Assa Badiallo Touré.

The forum and a concurrent ministerial meeting on Gender focused on transitioning from emergency aid to long-term resilience and social inclusion, including the planned launch of an AES Women’s Platform. These efforts aim to strengthen synergies and create a concerted, common humanitarian strategy across the Sahelian space based on solidarity and social cohesion.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Burkina Faso expands international ties with Russia, Burundi, and AES

Burkina Faso is strengthening ties with Russia through an upcoming economic commission, launching a cooperation commission with Burundi, and leading AES regional humanitarian and gender summits.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/burkina-faso-and-burundi-launch-first-joint-cooperation-commission

### 2026-08-08: Burkina Faso to host second AES humanitarian forum in 2026

Burkina Faso will host the second Alliance of Sahel States (AES) humanitarian forum in Ouagadougou from August 9-14, 2026, to coordinate regional responses to displacement and crises.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/burkina-faso-to-host-second-aes-humanitarian-forum-in-2026

### 2026-07-18: Burkina Faso hosts Sufi congress and AES panel in Ouagadougou to boost peace and development

On 18 July 2026, Ouagadougou hosted a Sufi congress and the third AES panel, both emphasizing peace, social cohesion and development in Burkina Faso and the Sahel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/burkina-faso-hosts-sufi-congress-and-aes-panel-in-ouagadougou-to-boost-peace-and-development

---
Cite as: Alliance of Sahel States regional cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alliance-of-sahel-states-regional-cooperation