A year after their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), the three member countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) are demonstrating a strong and united front.
In Ouagadougou, the flag of the Confederation of Sahel States was raised to symbolise their break and their common ambition, marking a key step in the construction of this alliance.
An official ceremony was held in the Burkinabe capital on Tuesday to raise the colours of the three members of the ESA.
The event marked the first anniversary of their withdrawal from the West African organisation.
On behalf of his counterparts from Mali and Niger, the head of Burkinabe diplomacy reaffirmed the will of the three countries to make the AES a tool to serve the expectations of their populations.
Jean Marie Traoré specified that this departure did not mean a rejection of their membership in West Africa.
The ceremony was part of the commemoration of the withdrawal announced in January 2024 by Ouagadougou, Bamako and Niamey, which accused Ecowas of defending the interests of France.
On Monday, the foreign ministers of the AES met with Burkinabe President Ibrahim Traore to discuss future relations with Ecowas.
Abdoulaye Diop, head of Malian diplomacy and spokesperson for the delegation, said that proposals had been submitted for validation by the heads of state of the AES.
He stressed the importance of a common approach to dialogue with Ecowas while meeting the expectations of the populations of the Sahel.
On this occasion, the AES also announced the launch of a common passport from 29 January.
Abdoulaye Diop assured that this decision, taken by the heads of state, was the result of in-depth reflection aimed at strengthening the alliance between the three countries.
DS/ac/fss/jn/APA