(251001) -- BAMAKO, Oct. 1, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tchiani (L) speaks to the press at the Koulouba Palace in Bamako, Mali, on Sept. 30, 2025. Defense and security constitute the first pillar of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as the bloc moves toward creating a unified force, Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tchiani said Tuesday in Bamako at the end of a 24-hour visit to the Malian capital.
TO GO WITH "AES confederation to form unified force, says Nigerien president" (Photo by Habib Kouyate/Xinhua)
