Ouagadougou:Burkina Faso's recent diplomatic journey has been marked by a shift towards national sovereignty and regional cooperation. This change began with Comrade Captain Ibrahim Traor's rise to power on September 30, 2022, leading to a reevaluation of relationships with Western countries and the eventual formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), later transformed into a Confederation with Mali and Niger.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Burkina Faso's diplomatic realignment included requesting the withdrawal of French special forces in 2023 and ending several cooperation agreements with France. This culminated in the severance of diplomatic ties with France on June 26, 2026, due to actions deemed against Burkinabe interests. The country also reestablished relations with North Korea in March 2023 and strengthened ties with Russia, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and China by 2026.
Burkina Faso's stance towards international organizations mirrored its national policy, as seen in the expulsion of UN officials accused of co-authoring unfounded reports on local conflicts. The country, along with Mali and Niger, withdrew from the International Organisation of La Francophonie and announced their exit from the International Criminal Court in 2025, effective in 2027.
Regionally, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger created the AES through the signing of the Liptako-Gourma Charter on September 16, 2023. This alliance came amidst rising tensions with ECOWAS, from which the three countries withdrew in January 2025, paving the way for the AES to evolve into the Confederation of Sahel States.
The Confederation has been busy establishing common institutions such as a biometric passport and identity card, a unified military force headquartered in Niamey, and the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development with substantial capital for regional projects. Institutional integration includes a confederal parliament and the symbolic adoption of a common flag and anthem, "Sahel Benkan."
Additionally, cultural and communication initiatives have been launched, including a regional radio and television station, and the AES Games, a sports event held in Bamako and Ouagadougou. Future plans for the Confederation involve the introduction of a common currency, a confederate airline, and a railway system.
These developments highlight Burkina Faso's departure from traditional Western alliances, focusing instead on creating a cohesive regional framework with Mali and Niger under the umbrella of the AES Confederation, encompassing security, institutional, financial, cultural, and sports initiatives.