Ouagadougou:The ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) convened in Ouagadougou to assess the implementation of the Year II roadmap, setting the stage for the upcoming session of the College of Heads of State.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Burkinabe Minister of War and Patriotic Defence, Major General Célestin Simporé, opened the two-day meeting with a speech outlining the session's goals. These include evaluating activities across the Confederation's three primary areas Defence and Security, Diplomacy, and Development.
Delegations from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are expected to make recommendations on advancing the confederal process and addressing mutual concerns. In terms of security, General Simporé emphasized the critical role of defense and security as the foundation for survival and freedom. He highlighted the national armed forces' efforts within the Joint Force of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and advocated for resource harmonization and enhanced strategic autonomy.
On the diplomatic front, the minister stressed the importance of a unified voice for the three countries on international matters and the need to diversify partnerships based on shared interests. For development, he called for economic integration, trade efficiency, and natural resource development to provide sustainable opportunities for the population, particularly the youth.
General Simporé also praised the solidarity of member states following the repatriation of Burkinabe nationals from Guinea and expressed gratitude to Mali for its swift humanitarian response. He extended condolences to Niger for the passing of Army General Abdourahamane Tiani's father and acknowledged the sacrifices of those fighting for the confederal space's liberation.
The meeting follows the finalization of the Year II roadmap in February 2026, aimed at consolidating the Confederation. Participants are to produce a summary report on progress made, serving as a preparatory step for Year III of the AES. General Simporé reiterated the Sahelian populations' aspirations for more decisive action and solidarity in the confederation process.