Dakar:The Burkinabe, Malian, and Nigerien communities residing in Senegal have reaffirmed their support for the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) authorities. This statement was made during a meeting with AES ministers on October 18, 2026, in Dakar, where several concerns regarding their living conditions and the confederation's issues were raised.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting was held alongside the first formal negotiations between the AES Confederation and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ministers addressed the diaspora, explaining the significance of their involvement in these negotiations and sharing updates on the situation in their home countries and the confederation.
During the discussions, the community members expressed appreciation for the leaders of the AES member states, acknowledging their successes in combating terrorism and advancements in development and diplomacy. They urged continued solidarity and people-centered initiatives. The communities also highlighted the need for the Senegalese authorities to recognize their identity documents and sought solutions for harassment and extortion during road travel within the confederation. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of protecting AES nationals' assets and privileges, particularly concerning land and education, after withdrawing from ECOWAS.
The communities called for the harmonization of policies in key sectors such as education, and advocated for vocational training and women's empowerment. In response, Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traor, who chaired the meeting, reassured the participants that their concerns are being addressed in the negotiations with ECOWAS. He acknowledged the problem of road harassment and stressed the need for public participation in eradicating it.
The ministers praised the efforts of the AES diaspora in Senegal, urging them to continue contributing to their home countries' development. The meeting concluded with a call for unity among the communities in Senegal and adherence to local laws to uphold the AES Confederation's reputation.