[1][4][5][6] It originated as a mutual defense pact created on 16 September 2023 following the 2023 Nigerien crisis, in which the West African political bloc ECOWAS threatened to intervene militarily to restore civilian rule after a coup in Niger earlier that year.

[16] The confederation's stated goal is to pool resources to build energy and communications infrastructure, establish a common market, implement a monetary union under proposed currency, allow free movement of persons, enable industrialization, and invest in agriculture, mines and the energy sector, with the end goal of federalizing into a single sovereign state.

[5] In the 2020 Malian coup d'état, Assimi Goïta and the National Committee for the Salvation of the People seized power in Mali after overthrowing the elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

[32] Most recently, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland removed the elected government of Niger's Mohamed Bazoum, installing Abdourahamane Tchiani and a new junta in the 2023 coup d'état.

After the coup in Niger, ECOWAS threatened to intervene militarily and restore president Bazoum's government, resulting in a regional crisis.

The juntas of Mali and Burkina Faso promised military aid to Niger in the event of an intervention, while Guinea's provided diplomatic support.

The promises of military aid resulted in the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States as a mutual defense bloc for the three nations, successfully staving off an ECOWAS intervention.

[36] Soon after, on December 15, 2024, the Conference of Heads of State of ECOWAS adopted an exit transition period for Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, which begins on January 29, 2025 and ends on July 29, 2025.

[40] On 6 July 2024, at a summit in Niamey, the leaders of the states of the AES signed a confederation treaty to strengthen the existing mutual defense pact, assorted with the release of a 25 point communique.

Assimi Goïta, the current interim president of the republic of Mali, started his term on the same day, and it was agreed that the first joint parliamentary summit of the AES would be hosted in Burkina Faso.

[42] On January 29, 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after providing the required 1 year notice.

[48] Officially united in another confederation, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA/WAEMU), AES countries have not shown their readiness to break ties with UEMOA.

[52][53][17] In an effort to boost agricultural and energy self-reliance, joint infrastructure programs are envisioned, and export controls on grain towards the rest of ECOWAS have been implemented.

[75][76] Niger was among the top 4 providers of uranium to the EU in both 2022 and 2023 according to the Supply Agency of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

[86][57] Chad recently ended its defense cooperation agreement with France,[87] signaling a desire to assert its sovereignty and redefine its strategic partnerships.

[89] Guinea has been supportive of the AES and its goals, for example defying border closures imposed by ECOWAS and giving the Sahel states access to its ports.

[91] Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been urging both ECOWAS and the AES states to engage in dialogue and work together to address common challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and poverty.

This sparked significant outcry from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, raising questions about regional integration and the future of free movement in West Africa.

The Sahel region has seen a rise in terrorist threats from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in recent , affecting both safety and development.

[102] The AES has been taking actions to diminish the influence and control of former colonial power France over its resources, territory, diplomatic relations, and trade.

[103][104] Russian involvement notably includes a joint satellite program with Roscosmos,[105] and military assistance from the Wagner Group to counter insurgencies.