Bobo-dioulasso: The States of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) reaffirmed, on Friday in Bobo-Dioulasso, at the closing of the 2nd edition of the Week of Fraternity, their desire to deepen cultural integration within the confederal space, in the service of collective sovereignty and sustainable development.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Burkina Faso hosted the 2nd edition of the AES Fraternity Week in Bobo-Dioulasso, on the sidelines of the National Culture Week (SNC). Held from April 26 to May 1, 2026, at the SNC site, the event was themed: "Culture, sovereignty, and fraternity of peoples to build unity and resilience in our shared space." Delegations from the three AES member countries participated.

The Minister in charge of Culture, Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo, emphasized that the cultural week was marked by commitment, creativity, and a spirit of unity among the people of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He noted that the event fostered a collective dynamic and a shared momentum towards moving forward together.

The event featured exhibitions of cultural and tourist products, artistic performances, and spaces for promoting gastronomy. The minister highlighted the celebration of diversity while affirming the unity of the AES space through these multiple expressions.

Beyond visible activities, the edition facilitated human encounters, direct exchanges, and new perspectives. It consolidated cultural dialogue between states, strengthened interstate cooperation, and affirmed a shared vision of cultural sovereignty. The Minister of Culture called for establishing permanent consultation frameworks among cultural institutions, developing joint programs for shared cultural heritage, facilitating artist mobility, structuring cultural sectors, and promoting local products as economic drivers.

The representative of Niger, Idrissa Ousmane, expressed gratitude for the hospitality during the National Culture Week. He assured that Niger would draw inspiration from Mali and Burkina Faso to organize the 3rd edition of the AES Fraternity Week in 2027.

The closing ceremony featured performances from troops from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and the presentation of gifts.