Niger: Towards the revitalization of Burkinabe-Malian-Nigerien cooperation
As part of the drive to strengthen ties of cooperation, friendship and solidarity between Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger, a joint delegation of Burkina Faso and Mali foreign ministers, Madame Ragnaghnewende Olivia Roumba and Abdoulaye Diop, arrived in Niamey for a working session with Prime Minister Lamine Zeine Ali Mahaman.
The Burkinabè and Malian delegations were first received by their Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Yaou Sangaré in Niamey, before meeting the head of the Nigerien government. Discussions between the three ministers revolved around subjects of common interest to the three countries, notably development, security, political and economic issues, with the common denominator being the legitimate expectations of their respective peoples.
Convinced that coordinated action would strengthen their exchanges, the delegations are considering the creation of a tripartite cooperation commission. Security is also on the agenda.
The three ministers reviewed the security problems (terrorism and violent extremism) facing their countries. And to meet these security challenges, they pledged to pool their efforts and resources to curb these scourges, which are undermining the development of their respective nations. This will involve strengthening cooperation mechanisms, intelligence exchanges and joint operations.
A joint secretariat will be set up to coordinate peace, security and economic and monetary development missions. Still on the subject of security, the delegations welcomed the Bamako-Ouagadougou-Niamey axis, authorizing the intervention of Malian and Burkina Faso security and defense forces in Niger in the event of aggression.
Koné DIOP
