Burkina Faso's President gives a positive assessment of the Alliance of Sahel States on its second anniversary.
Written by: Ayman Ragab
The President of the Alliance of Sahel States, Ibrahim Traoré, sent a message on Sunday on the occasion of the organization's second anniversary, praising its ”tangible” achievements while calling for increased vigilance in the face of external pressures.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of the Sahel States Union, addressed the nation on the second anniversary of the Union, which was established on July 6, 2024.
Positive and highly satisfactory review
In his speech, the President of Burkina Faso presented an assessment that he described as ”very positive and satisfactory” of the implementation of the first-year roadmap. In this regard, he praised the leadership of General Assimi Goïta, the president of the transitional phase in Mali.
The head of the Association of Private Entities pointed to tangible results after two years of the federation's establishment. He confirmed that political cooperation between the three member states has significantly strengthened, diplomatic coordination is progressing, and the armed forces are cooperating ever more effectively in combating terrorism.
Captain Traoré also thanked General Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of Niger, for his ”unwavering commitment” to the Union's principles. In turn, the President of Burkina Faso denounced a context characterized by an ”unprecedented economic and media war” against the three EU member states and South Africa. He pointed to disinformation campaigns and attempts to manipulate public opinion in order to weaken the Union.
But it clarifies that the organization “is not directed against any people, nation, or organization,“ presenting it as a sovereign option aimed at combating terrorism and promoting the independence of member states.
The head of the union extended sincere greetings to the fighting forces and all victims of terrorism, as well as their families.
Second year predictions
Looking ahead, Ibrahim Traoré identifies several priorities: collective self-defense, economic integration, industrialization, energy and food sovereignty, as well as promoting the free movement of people and goods within the confederation space.
Residents of the Sahel region have called for significant support for the second-year roadmap.
On the diplomatic front, the President of the Confederation indicated that the Commonwealth of Independent States is continuing its consultations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with the aim of establishing a new framework for relations based on respect for the sovereign choices of each party.
He concluded his message with a call for unity and collective mobilization to build a ”coast of peace, sovereignty, development, and common prosperity."
