Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traore on Monday issued a message to mark the second anniversary of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), calling for closer cooperation among Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger while outlining priorities for the confederation’s next stage of development.
Traore, who serves as the rotating president of the AES, recalled the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States on Sept. 16, 2023, and its transition into the Confederation of Sahel States on July 6, 2024.
He said the anniversary has become more than an institutional anniversary, describing it as a symbol of hope for an African renaissance and of the determination of the three member states in confronting terrorism.
Traore paid tribute to members of the security forces who lost their lives in the line of duty and expressed condolences to the families of victims of terrorism as well as communities affected by what he described as a conflict imposed by imperialism and its local proxies.
Reviewing the confederation’s progress, Traore said the three countries’ armed forces have strengthened operational cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
He also highlighted closer diplomatic coordination, saying the confederation’s positions are receiving greater attention on African and international stages. He added that the confederation’s institutions are increasingly operating under a shared vision and that economic integration is advancing progressively to support balanced and sustainable development.
Traore said the confederation’s first year under the rotating presidency of Malian President Assimi Goita was positive and highly satisfactory, and thanked Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani for his commitment to the confederation’s ideals.
Traore reiterated that the AES “is not directed against any people or any nation” and said consultations with the Economic Community of West African States would continue with the aim of establishing a new framework for relations based on respect for sovereign decisions. Enditem
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