Ouagadougou: The current Chairman of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), Captain Ibrahim Traor, urged the region's members of parliament to defend the best interests of the people. "The people of the Sahel expect the Confederation's members of parliament to place the general interest of the AES above partisan and national considerations. I therefore urge you to have the best interests of this people as your sole and unique guiding principle," declared Captain Ibrahim Traor.

According to Burkina Information Agency, he spoke yesterday, Monday, through the voice of the President of the People's Legislative Assembly, Ousmane Bougma, at the opening of the very first session of the Parliament of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The Burkinabe head of state and current chairman of the AES urged the deputies to thoroughly examine the items on the agenda.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger left ECOWAS in January 2024 to found the AES seven months later in order to pool their forces in the fight against terrorism, the defense of their sovereignty and the promotion of endogenous development. "The path we have taken requires unity of action, a clear vision, bold decisions and fraternity in all circumstances," advised President Ibrahim Traor.

The ESA Parliament has 45 members, 15 from each country. This first session is being held from 24 to 29 August 2026 and aims to lay the foundations for strengthened parliamentary cooperation between the three member states.