The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — has officially adopted its first anthem on May 10, just a month after launching a public competition, marking a symbolic step in the bloc’s effort to deepen regional unity.
Approved by ministers of culture from the three countries, the anthem reflects shared values of sovereignty, solidarity, and self-reliance, and follows earlier regional integration moves such as the launch of a shared passport in January 2025 and a common flag and logo in February.
Open to citizens of all three nations, the anthem competition required submissions to include music, lyrics in French or local languages, and an artistic rationale. AES also plans a joint security force as it continues to build a unified political and cultural identity after breaking away from ECOWAS in 2023.
