AES: Ibrahim Traoré calls for consolidating the Confederation of Sahel States
On the occasion of the second anniversary of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), Ibrahim Traoré presented the vision championed by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. In this message, the President of Faso stresses the consolidation of the organization, collective security, economic integration and the sovereignty of the three states.
The speech describes the Confederation as a project built around three pillars: defence and security, diplomacy, and development. Ibrahim Traoré calls on the populations of the confederal area to remain mobilized in order to pursue the stated objectives.
From the Alliance of Sahel States to the Confederation
According to the message released, the Alliance of Sahel States was created on September 16, 2023, by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Its establishment reflected the three countries’ desire to provide a common response to the security crisis they face.
The text refers to a collective framework based on defence, security and mutual assistance. The principles put forward are solidarity, sovereignty and the sharing of responsibilities among member states.
On July 6, 2024, the three countries then established the Confederation of Sahel States. Two years after the creation of the AES, Ibrahim Traoré presents this step as a symbol of hope and African renewal. He attributes to the Confederation the ambition of strengthening the fight against terrorism and improving living conditions for the population.
Collective security at the heart of the AES project
In his address, Ibrahim Traoré pays tribute to the fighting forces and to the people involved, in his words, in defending the freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the member states. He also extends his thoughts to the victims of terrorism and to populations affected by war.
The President of Faso describes an environment still marked by a significant terrorist threat. He also refers to destabilization attempts and to military, economic, diplomatic and media pressure which, according to him, are intended to challenge the sovereign choices of the three countries.
In response to this situation, he states that the peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have chosen unity and joint action. He maintains that cooperation among the fighting forces has been strengthened in the fight against terrorism.
However, in this speech, security is not an isolated objective. It is presented as a necessary condition for the stability, development and prosperity of the confederal area.
Announced economic and social integration
Beyond military and diplomatic issues, Ibrahim Traoré sets out several economic and social directions for the Confederation of Sahel States. He refers to deeper integration of the three countries’ economies, with the aim of development he describes as harmonious and sustainable.
The President of Faso notably calls for making the Confederation an area in which resources benefit the population first and foremost. He mentions opportunities for young people, wealth creation by producers, innovation by researchers and investment by entrepreneurs.
The initiatives cited include industrialization, energy and food sovereignty, as well as the local processing of resources. The message also mentions strengthening the free movement of people and goods, as well as pooling scientific, technological, educational and industrial capabilities.
This roadmap also rests on social cohesion and the strengthening of confederal institutions. Ibrahim Traoré emphasizes the role of diasporas, which he considers to be contributing to the pursuit of freedom and sovereignty championed by the organization.
The stated position on ECOWAS and regional cooperation
The speech states that the Confederation of Sahel States would not be directed “against any people, any nation or any organization.” Ibrahim Traoré presents it as a sovereign choice of the three states, intended to fight terrorism, preserve territorial integrity and regain, in his words, full independence.
He also reaffirms the Confederation’s commitment to the ideals of the African Union, African unity, Pan-Africanism and regional integration. However, he sets out several principles that should, in his view, govern this cooperation: mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states, the defence of the interests of populations, control over natural resources, dignity, non-interference and reciprocity.
Ibrahim Traoré indicates that the AES is continuing consultations with ECOWAS. The stated objective is to build a new framework for relations that takes into account the sovereign decisions of each party, preserves the achievements of regional integration considered useful, and protects the interests of West African populations.
The free movement of goods and people is explicitly cited among the issues to be preserved. The President of Faso states that disagreements between “brotherly peoples” must, according to the position expressed in the speech, be addressed through dialogue, consultation and the search for mutually beneficial solutions.
A call for unity in the face of denounced pressure
In this message, Ibrahim Traoré denounces what he describes as an economic and media war against the Confederation’s countries. He also refers to disinformation campaigns and the instrumentalization of peoples that, according to him, are aimed at weakening the organization.
He therefore urges citizens of the AES area to remain united, vigilant and committed. For the President of Faso, the future of the Confederation will depend less on statements than on the collective capacity to work, produce, innovate and strengthen unity among the three countries.
The speech acknowledges that the path remains difficult, while highlighting “grounds for satisfaction.” Ibrahim Traoré praises what he considers the positive record of the first year of the roadmap under the leadership of Assimi Goïta, President of Mali’s transition. He also thanks General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic of Niger, for his commitment to the ideals of the Confederation.
Finally, he calls on the population to support the second-year roadmap. The stated ambition is to build a more integrated Sahel, founded on peace, sovereignty, development and shared prosperity.
FAQ
Which countries make up the Confederation of Sahel States?
According to the speech, the Confederation brings together Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
What are the priority areas of the Confederation of Sahel States?
Ibrahim Traoré cites three areas: defence and security, diplomacy, and development. He also mentions economic integration, industrialization, energy and food sovereignty, as well as free movement.
What does the speech say about ECOWAS?
The message indicates that consultations are continuing with ECOWAS to establish a new framework for relations, based in particular on respect for sovereign decisions and the preservation of the interests of West African populations.
Video source: watch the video on YouTube.
