AES Media Regulation Initiative Gains Momentum as Mali Hosts Niger Delegation

Bamako, April 15, 2026 - Mali’s Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, on Wednesday received a high-level delegation from Niger led by Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, President of the National Communication Observatory (ONC), as regional efforts to coordinate media regulation within the Sahel intensify.

The visit forms part of a broader diplomatic and technical mission aimed at laying the groundwork for a joint platform dedicated to media oversight across member states of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

At the center of discussions was the proposed establishment of a joint regulatory framework designed to harmonize communication policies and strengthen collective resilience against what officials described as a growing global information war targeting the region.

The Nigerien delegation emphasized the need for coordinated action, calling for stronger institutional collaboration among AES countries. The initiative seeks to pool resources and align strategies in order to better manage information flows and counter external influence campaigns.

As part of this effort, the ONC President appealed for the support of Mali’s transitional authorities to advance the project, noting that initial steps toward implementation are already underway. The regional tour is expected to continue in Burkina Faso, where similar consultations are planned.

Prime Minister Maïga welcomed the initiative, stating that it aligns with the broader vision underpinning the Confederation of Sahel States. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the project and expressed confidence in its potential to evolve into a fully operational regional mechanism.

The meeting underscores the increasing priority placed by AES member states on information governance, as they seek to reinforce sovereignty and cooperation in the face of shared communication and security challenges.