Burkina Faso – Niger: Hand in Hand for Peace and Security
In a gesture of solidarity and friendship, the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Dr Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélem de Tambèla, received his counterpart from Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, in audience in Ouagadougou on 7 October 2023. The meeting underlined the close collaboration between the two nations to restore peace and security in regions affected by terrorism.
The purpose of the visit by the Niger delegation was to convey the warm greetings and thanks of the President of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, to the people of Burkina Faso for their support in the face of the ECOWAS sanctions against Niger.
This symbolic gesture strengthened the ties between the two countries, testifying to their solidarity in difficult times.
In a fraternal speech, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine expressed his country’s deep friendship with Burkina Faso.
He stressed the need for closer cooperation to restore security in areas affected by terrorism.
To achieve this objective, the two heads of government discussed the creation of a tripartite commission to confront the common enemy, while strengthening economic, security and cultural ties.
On the defence front, it was noted with satisfaction that the two countries have resumed joint operations, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to peace.
In addition, a commission has been set up to facilitate cooperation in the field of hydrocarbons, paving the way for mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso also highlighted the importance of the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
He spoke of the promising possibility of creating a federation of Sahel states, highlighting the potential economic benefits of such a union.
The idea recalls the shared past of these three countries, which once formed the colony of Haut-Sénégal-Niger in 1904.
Fayçal BADIE
