From June 21 to June 28, 2025, Bamako, the capital of Mali, hosted the inaugural edition of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Games.
Throughout the week, over 500 professional athletes from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger participated in various events including football, traditional wrestling, archery, among others.
The event occurs during a period of significant regional instability.
For more than ten years, all three countries have struggled with jihadist insurgencies involving groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State.
After military coups, the ruling juntas ousted French forces and sought assistance from Russian mercenaries.
The AES Games are a component of a larger initiative by the three countries to foster unity within the newly established Alliance of Sahel States, which is both a security and political coalition. Burkina Faso secured third place in the tournament.
The AES flag was officially presented to Burkina Faso's Minister of Youth and Sport, Roland Somda, as the nation gears up to host the next edition in 2026.
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