A coalition of opposition figures from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso has formally launched the Alliance of Democrats of the Sahel (ADS) in Brussels, vowing to restore constitutional order in their countries. The three nations are all members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc formed by the military juntas that seized power through coups and have since governed without elections. ADS president Marya Djibrine said the juntas had run a propaganda campaign blaming democracy for the region's problems, and pledged that the alliance — which includes both exiles and activists still inside the affected countries — would counter that narrative and amplify the voices of those facing repression at home.