Breaking News from the AES

The political, cultural, economic, and social achievements in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)

Since the overthrow of neo-colonialism on July 26th, 2023, Niger, led by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, has experienced tremendous growth and the masses have taken charge of the destiny of their country. The people of Niger and their revolutionary government have taken the irreversible path of total liberation by asserting their sovereignty and committing to a people-centered development.

This can be seen with the scaling down of military ties with the West. In September 2024, the United States military (AFRICOM) completed its withdrawal from Niger. That historical event will be remembered for centuries to come. Niger joins Eritrea as the only two countries in Africa without a US military (AFRICOM) presence.

During the summer of 2024, Niger experienced torrential rain, which caused considerable damage and led to the death of several hundred Nigeriens and the displacement of over a million people. The European Union, eternal enemy of Africa, announced that it had provided several million dollars to countries in the Sahel affected by the floods, with Niger being offered 1.36 million euros.

Niger’s foreign Ministry released a communique stating it had never requested any financial support from the European Union and that the government was capable of addressing the flood crisis using its own resources. The foreign ministry of Niger requested that the EU recall its Ambassador Salvador Pinto da Franca, accusing him of distributing the $1.36 million euros without first informing the authorities and receiving their approval.

The Nigerien government, conscious of the ways in which so-called non-governmental organizations are utilized to undermine governments who do not bow down to their imperialist founders, is reminding us that the imperialists cannot both be our oppressors and our saviors. This so-called aid is just another means for the imperialists to compromise our sovereignty and destabilize our countries.

In addition to staunchly defending their sovereignty, the new authorities in Niger have also begun to meaningfully address the material conditions of the masses. In September 2024, the government announced it would reduce by 50% the costs of health services in public health centers. The Council of Ministers also announced that ” ...deliveries are free of charge, and from now on, for dialysis, patients will no longer have to pay the lifetime fee of 150,000 FCFA (300 USD). In addition, the cost of cement and fuel were reduced.

By regaining control of its strategic resources, notably uranium, and nationalizing the operations of Orano, formerly owned by France, Niger has embarked on the road to energy self-sufficiency and economic independence. By placing the interests of the Nigerien people at the heart of this approach, the country is now better positioned to improve the living conditions of its population by reinvesting revenues from mining operations in social development, infrastructure and health projects.

This transition marks an important turning point, not only for Niger's sovereignty but also for economic justice, enabling the Nigerien masses to become the primary beneficiaries of their natural wealth. It is thus a perfect illustration of what sovereign management of resources can bring to people, far from the neo-colonial mechanisms that have been imposed on Africa for too long.