Following a recent gathering of defense ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Bassolma Bazié, President of the CN-CES, extended profound appreciation for the unwavering dedication and sacrifices made by the Defense and Security Forces across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This strong commendation was accompanied by a declaration emphasizing the imperative to safeguard territorial integrity, shield civilian populations, and achieve a sovereignty heralded as historically significant.

However, this official discourse raises a critical question increasingly voiced by the public: do these pronouncements of success truly align with the grim realities experienced by those on the ground?

Since the inception of the AES, authorities in the three nations have consistently highlighted a newfound sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Yet, across various localities, armed assaults persist, leading to widespread displacement and an enduring insecurity that remains a formidable challenge. In this environment, repeated tributes to the security forces, while undeniably deserved given the profound sacrifices of the soldiers, fall short of addressing the public’s expectations. Citizens, above all, demand tangible results.

This stark divergence becomes even more apparent when considering the human toll of the ongoing crisis. As armed forces bravely confront the front lines, paying the ultimate price, the daily existence for civilians is a harrowing struggle for survival. Thousands of families are compelled to abandon their homes, seeking refuge en masse in neighboring countries, desperately searching for the peace and security their own states can no longer guarantee. The sight of citizens transformed into refugees beyond their national borders serves as the most concrete evidence that the sovereignty celebrated in ministerial chambers remains a distant concept for those enduring its absence.

In light of this exodus and these tragic losses, the stance of leaders, who primarily offer official commendations and posthumous speeches, provokes a stark inquiry: can such behavior genuinely ensure public safety or halt the rising death toll? Evidence suggests the contrary. Eulogies and medals do not fortify front lines, protect isolated villages, or restore lost lives. By merely honoring soldiers’ sacrifices instead of rectifying the strategic deficiencies that contribute to their losses, political action risks becoming absorbed in symbolism, leaving the underlying causes of insecurity unaddressed.

The foremost objective of any defense policy must remain the concrete enhancement of public security. When civilians continue to live under the threat of attacks, when certain regions remain largely inaccessible, and when humanitarian crises persist, rhetoric celebrating security strategy successes can appear profoundly detached from ground realities.

The notion of a “real sovereignty” also warrants deeper scrutiny. For many observers, sovereignty is not merely measured by declarations of political or diplomatic independence. It is also assessed by the state’s capacity to guarantee security, ensure the free movement of its people, protect essential public services, and offer prospects of stability to its citizens. Across these vital indicators, the challenges within the Sahel region remain substantial.

Military personnel deployed on the front lines frequently pay a heavy price, and their commitment is widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, honoring soldiers does not absolve political leaders of their duty to critically evaluate implemented strategies. The sacrifices made by the armed forces should be accompanied by transparent deliberation on the efficacy of military and political choices, to ascertain whether stated objectives are truly being met.

Ultimately, the most profound way to honor defense forces extends beyond official pronouncements. It lies, crucially, in establishing conditions that lead to a lasting improvement in security and the daily lives of the populace. As long as inhabitants continue to suffer the consequences of insecurity, declarations celebrating a fully achieved sovereignty are likely to be met with skepticism by a significant portion of the public.