Wed Dec 24 23:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is deepening its regional cooperation and autonomy, particularly in defense, security, and development. A summit in Bamako saw leaders discuss strengthening the alliance, lessening dependence on ECOWAS, and formally launching a joint anti-terrorism force and a shared TV broadcaster. This follows their withdrawal from ECOWAS and strained relations with Western partners after military coups. While ECOWAS signals a willingness to maintain some privileges, the AES is asserting its independence through initiatives like joint travel documents.

News Article:

Sahel Alliance Deepens Ties, Launches Joint Military Force and TV Station

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) – The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprised of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is forging ahead with its agenda of regional autonomy, marked by a summit in Bamako this week. Military leaders Assimi Goïta (Mali), Abdourahamane Tchiani (Niger), and Ibrahim Traoré (Burkina Faso) convened to discuss deepening cooperation in defense, security, and development.

A key announcement was the formal launch of a joint military force designed to combat terrorism within the region. This underscores the AES’s commitment to addressing security challenges independently.

The leaders also inaugurated the Alliance of Sahel States TV broadcaster, described as a vehicle to counter disinformation and promote the bloc’s interests, as the region faces challenges and misinformation spread from outside actors.

These moves come after the three nations withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) last year, a consequence of strained relations with Western partners following military coups. While ECOWAS has suggested maintaining certain trade benefits for the AES countries, the alliance is asserting its independence.

“The summit aims to strengthen cooperation within the alliance and reduce reliance on the West African regional bloc ECOWAS,” said a government official.

The countries are introducing joint travel documents for their citizens. A new head of the AES is expected to be named to replace Goïta.

Despite tensions, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso remain members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, ensuring continued trade and free movement of goods with other member states. The AES is taking steps toward greater self-reliance, the long-term implications for regional stability and cooperation remain to be seen.

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