Tenkodogo: The National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States (CN-CES) held a regional information and exchange conference in Tenkodogo's multipurpose hall "Etalon" with key stakeholders from the Nakambe region. The session aimed to foster understanding and acceptance of the vision outlined by the Heads of State of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to sustainably establish the Alliance and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
According to Burkina Information Agency, Commission President Bassolma Bazie emphasized that the Confederation of Sahel States represents the culmination of a process initiated at the Bamako summit on September 16, 2023. This process led to the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and was further solidified on July 6, 2024, in Niamey with the adoption of the Confederation's Charter. Bazie highlighted that this approach contrasts with integration models influenced by external actors, focusing on the interests of local populations.
Bazie reiterated that the AES is founded on three core pillars: defense and security, diplomacy, and development. The ultimate aim is to build a sovereign and cohesive confederal space where public policies center on the population. Established by decree on November 6, 2024, the National Commission's mission is to support Faso's President, Captain Ibrahim Traore, in coordinating, monitoring, and implementing the Confederation's activities and raising public awareness about confederation decisions.
"Power belongs to the people. There is no sustainable integration without the support of the communities," Bazie stated. He noted that the regional conferences are designed to introduce the Commission, explain its missions, review progress within the ESA, and gather citizen contributions.
The meeting included participation from defense and security forces, customary and religious authorities, women's and youth associations, development organizations, and various local actors. Participants welcomed the initiative and expressed their commitment to supporting the process, offering suggestions on local communication, civic education, education system reform, and the rapid establishment of confederal institutions.
The CN-CES plans to continue these conferences in other regions of Burkina Faso.