Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré speaking at the 2023 Russia–Africa Summit
The consolidation of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into a confederation marks the next steps toward sovereignty and self-determination for the people of those nations. This achievement has become a shining example of what African cooperation and solidarity in the fight against imperialism can do.
Originally published in Internationalist 360.
On 6th July 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially created the Alliance of Sahel States Confederation.
In this historic address, Captain Ibrahim Traoré delivers a powerful and inspiring speech at the 1st Summit of Heads of State of AES (African Economic and Security) Member Countries With a focus on unity, economic cooperation, and regional security, Captain Traoré emphasizes the importance of collaboration among member states to foster sustainable development and stability across the continent. His speech highlights key initiatives and strategies to enhance economic growth, strengthen security measures, and promote peace and prosperity within the AES region.
The African Economic and Security (AES) organization, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is dedicated to enhancing economic cooperation and security measures among African nations. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, AES aims to create a more prosperous and stable Africa for all its member states.
Consolidation of the AES: Heads of State reaffirm their determination
The President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim TRAORE, took part in the first summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) alongside his peers from Mali, Colonel Assimi GOÏTA, and Niger, General Abdourahamane TIANI.
In their respective speeches at the opening ceremony, the three Heads of State expressed their determination to pursue the course set by the Alliance of Sahel States.
Denouncing the “pretence of independence granted to African states in the 60s”, followed by the plundering of natural resources and terrorism, the President of Faso, Captain TRAORE, explained the profound meaning of their revolt, which aims only to offer their respective states true independence and their populations real fulfillment.
Despite all kinds of manipulation and misinformation perpetuated by the enemies of the peoples, Captain Ibrahim TRAORE insisted: “We are not going to tremble; we are going to face up to it”, while expressing his delight at the solidarity achieved within the common space.
The President of Faso also indicated that the commitment that prevailed at the creation of the ESA on September 16, 2023 would never waver. Finally, he invited the peoples of the Alliance to always put the best interests of member countries and the Alliance first.
In the same vein, the President of the Republic of Mali, Colonel Assimi GOÏTA, recalled that the signing of the Liptako-Gourma Charter sealed the collective decision taken by the Heads of State to combat terrorism.
He highlighted the synergy of action between the armies of the three countries in the hunt for armed terrorist groups, which is producing tangible results. The Malian President announced the implementation of innovative and effective actions in the transport, economy, communication, culture and mining sectors, for the benefit of the “AES people”.
Welcoming the values of fraternity and solidarity that now govern the Alliance of Sahel States, Colonel Assimi GOÏTA reaffirmed the firm determination of the Heads of State to make the AES a model of cooperation in all fields.
In his opening speech, the President of Niger, General Abdourahamane TIANI, spoke of the “fierce determination” of the Heads of State to regain the sovereignty of their countries, with “this solid coalition” that is the ESA.
According to General TIANI, the future architecture of the Alliance will go beyond the fight against terrorism, to include the fight against rebellions, armed banditry and all forms of external aggression.
To support the realization of the Alliance’s ambitions and missions, particular emphasis will be placed on food security and economic and monetary independence. These actions will be supported by the promotion of interconnectivity (roads, airlines, extractive industries among others) within the ESA.
With the holding of this summit, which marks the determination to consolidate the ESA, the direction is set for strong actions that should lead to a better well-being for the peoples of the Sahel.
Michael Li is Senior Counsel in the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice.
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