Ouagadougou, August 31, 2024 (AIB) – At the 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held on August 29-30, 2024, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Burkina Faso presented a strong case for the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso, Jean Marie Karamoko Traoré, emphasized the urgency and necessity of creating the Alliance at the OIC forum, under the theme “Development of Intra-OIC Transport and Communication Infrastructure: A Major Instrument in the Fight Against Poverty and Insecurity.” Minister Traoré highlighted the collaborative efforts of the heads of state of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, stating that they have “fully grasped the need and urgency to create conditions that enhance the capacity for action and development in the Liptako-Gourma region amid widespread adversity.”
“The recent establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States reflects our commitment to providing a coherent and robust response to the aspirations of the people within the Alliance of Sahel States,” added Minister Traoré, as quoted by the Ministry’s communications department.
Minister Traoré also underscored Burkina Faso’s ongoing efforts to improve regional transport and transit, noting that the country has signed several agreements that have significantly enhanced these conditions with neighboring countries.
“In this same spirit, Burkina Faso is determined to strengthen this commitment under the leadership of His Excellency Captain Ibrahim Traoré, alongside their Excellencies Colonel Assimi Goïta, President of Mali, and General Abdouramane Tiani, President of Niger,” Minister Traoré continued.
The meeting’s theme sparked discussions on connectivity, economic growth, and poverty reduction within the OIC member states.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organization established in September 1969 in Rabat, Morocco, and comprises 57 member states. It focuses on fostering cooperation in economic, social, cultural, and scientific fields.
