NIAMEY, Niger — Niger has renewed its focus on political sovereignty and regional cooperation during a conference in Niamey examining the Alliance of Sahel States and its drive for greater independence.

The event, titled around the “conquest of sovereignty,” brought attention to Niger’s evolving political direction under the current authorities and its closer alignment with fellow AES members Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger’s government identified the conference as one of its latest national developments on August 20.

The AES has become a central part of Niger’s foreign and regional policy following the country’s departure from ECOWAS alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. The three countries have increasingly promoted regional security cooperation, political autonomy and reduced dependence on traditional external partners.

For Niger, the sovereignty agenda remains closely connected to questions of national decision-making, regional security and economic independence.

The latest conference demonstrates that the AES project remains a major political priority in Niamey, with authorities continuing to promote a more self-reliant regional model.

The debate is expected to remain important as Niger and its AES partners develop their political and institutional cooperation.