Alliance of Sahel States | Ministers from the three countries meet in Ouagadougou to assess the implementation of the roadmap and strengthen joint cooperation

The joint session of the Council of Ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) began today, Wednesday, in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The session, which includes ministerial delegations from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, will continue until November 12. Its primary objectives are to review the implementation status of the Alliance’s second-year roadmap and to prepare for the upcoming summit of the member states' heads of state.

The meetings focus on evaluating progress across the Alliance’s three core pillars—**defense and security, diplomacy, and economic development**—while also addressing ongoing challenges and formulating recommendations to enhance coordination and integration among the three nations.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Burkina Faso’s Minister of State, Minister of War and National Defense, Major General Célestin Simporé. Also in attendance were the Chairperson of the Alliance’s National Committee, Bassolma Bazié; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré; Minister of Economy and Finance, Aboubakar Nacanabo; and Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Gilbert Ouédraogo, alongside ministerial delegations from Mali and Niger and various experts.

In his opening remarks, General Simporé reviewed the progress made in cooperation between the member states. He noted that defense and security coordination serves as a cornerstone for protecting the sovereignty of the three nations and addressing security challenges, particularly the threat of terrorism.

He further emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination among the national armed forces of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—within the framework of the Alliance’s joint force—to help develop operational capabilities, solidify military cooperation, and foster strategic autonomy. On the diplomatic front, the Minister emphasized that the Alliance seeks to unify its positions, strengthen its presence on the international stage, and diversify its external partnerships in alignment with shared national interests—all while upholding the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect, and rejecting any interference in the internal affairs of its member states.

Regarding the economic and developmental aspects, discussions focused on building an integrated economic space, facilitating trade, investing in natural resources, and expanding employment opportunities for the youth—viewing economic development as a foundational pillar for security and political stability in the region.

**The Issue of the Deportation of Burkinabe Citizens from Guinea**

The opening session also addressed the deportation of citizens of Burkina Faso from the Republic of Guinea—a matter that sparked internal discussion within the Alliance and underscored the importance of coordination and solidarity among member states.

In this context, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Defense and National Veterans Affairs expressed his country’s appreciation for the Malian authorities, commending their role in handling this situation and their efforts in addressing its repercussions.

These meetings are part of the ongoing endeavors by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to develop the institutions of the Alliance of Sahel States, oversee the implementation of joint programs, and foster integration across the security, diplomatic, and economic spheres—laying the groundwork for the next phase of the Alliance’s journey.

**Sahel News | Coverage**