By Muhammad Mamman
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Diori Hamani International Airport and a nearby military air base in Niamey, Niger’s capital, describing it as a cowardly assault aimed at undermining regional stability.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Sahel bloc — comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso — said the attack targeted both civilian and military infrastructure, posing a grave threat to public safety and national security.
The AES expressed solidarity with the government and people of Niger, extending condolences to the families of those affected by the incident. It reaffirmed its collective commitment to combating terrorism and armed violence across the Sahel region.
According to the confederation, the attack was part of a broader campaign by extremist groups seeking to destabilise member states and derail ongoing efforts to restore peace and sovereignty.
“The Confederation of Sahel States will not yield to intimidation or acts of terror,” the statement read, adding that joint security operations among member countries would be intensified to neutralise armed groups operating in the region.
Nigerien authorities have since tightened security around strategic installations in Niamey, while investigations into the attack are ongoing.
The Sahel region has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, with airports, military facilities and civilian centres increasingly targeted by insurgent groups.
