Despite its suspended membership, the African Union president visits Burkina Faso.

Written by: Ayman Ragab

President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Rwanda, who currently chairs the African Union, has confirmed that he now has a deeper understanding of the security and political situation in Burkina Faso.

This came on the sidelines of an official visit to the capital, Ouagadougou, noting the importance of supporting stability in the region.
Ndayishimiye stressed the importance of maintaining relations with the Sahel countries and working to restore constitutional order, emphasizing the need to build a “solid bridge” linking Burkina Faso’s institutions with African institutions.

Strengthening unity and solidarity

He also acknowledged the challenges facing the region, calling for strengthening unity and solidarity among member states, while praising what he described as President Ibrahim Traore’s commitment to achieving peace and stability in his country.

He was received at Ouagadougou International Airport on Monday morning by Burkina Faso's interim president, Ibrahim Traore, before they both headed to the presidential palace for official talks.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and rebuild bridges of communication between Burkina Faso and the continental organization.

A statement issued by the presidency in Burkina Faso said that the meetings held provided an opportunity to exchange views on counter-terrorism issues in the Sahel region, as well as to discuss ways to rebuild relations between African Union countries and countries in the east and south of the continent.

This visit is of particular importance given the tension that has marred relations between the African Union and Burkina Faso since the October 2022 coup, as Ndayishimiye sought during the visit to lay new foundations for future cooperation and strengthen direct dialogue between the two sides.

This reflects a mutual desire to reopen channels of dialogue, especially since Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has remained suspended from membership in the African Union since the political changes it experienced in 2022.