Koulpélogo: The President of Burkina Faso's message on the AES was read during the flag-raising ceremony in Ouargaye. The traditional flag-raising ceremony was held on Monday at the headquarters of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) in Ouargaye, marking the first Monday of the month.According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was chaired by the High Commissioner of the province of Koulpélogo, Saïdou Ouédraogo, and attended by members of the province's constituted bodies, officials of decentralized services, the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). Following the raising of the national colors, the High Commissioner delivered a message from President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Confederation of Sahel States, celebrated on July 6, 2026.In his address, the Head of State acknowledged the dedication of the people of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in their efforts to build the Confederation. He recognized their resilience amidst security challenges and their dedication to the sovereignty project supported by the three member states. The President also expressed appreciation for the fighting forces and patriots combating terrorism, while remembering the victims and families impacted by insecurity.The message emphasized the accomplishments achieved since the Confederation's inception in areas such as defense, diplomacy, and development. It also called on the people to remain united and mobilized to address ongoing challenges within the confederal space. The ceremony was characterized by an atmosphere of civic-mindedness and patriotism, with participants reaffirming their commitment to peace, security, and development within the Confederation of Sahel States.