Today marks the second anniversary of the founding of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Each instance of reconstructing a path towards political, economic, and military sovereignty arose out of the desires and aspirations of the population within each respective country. Popular organizations and movements have been active participants in reinforcing the contours of the governments’ national agendas and reconstruction towards an independent, sovereign Sahel. In 2023, the regional bloc initiated economic, technological and political partnerships with countries like Russia during the Second Russia-Africa summit. The newly unveiled flag from the AES demonstrates the growing regional autonomy for the Sahel.