A historic meeting of police chiefs from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) is currently underway in Bamako, Mali. The gathering aims to strengthen regional cooperation in combating transnational crime, a growing threat in the Sahel region.
The meeting, presided over by Malian Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Major General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, brought together top law enforcement officials from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, including Commissioner General of Police Assahaba Ebankawel (Niger), Inspector General Darga W. Alexandre (Burkina Faso), and Commissioner General Soulaïmane Traoré (Mali).
Minister Mohammedine emphasized the complex security challenges facing the AES nations, particularly the rise of cybercrime. He stressed the need for equipping law enforcement agencies with modern technology and enhancing operational capacities through strengthened cooperation, intelligence sharing, and resource integration.
Commissioner General Assahaba Ebankawel of Niger hailed the initiative as a “foundational moment” for regional security cooperation, highlighting the critical need for improved border security and intelligence exchanges. Inspector General Darga W. Alexandre of Burkina Faso emphasized the strong political will of the three nations to secure their territories.
The meeting has already yielded significant outcomes, with participants agreeing on key measures to enhance regional security capabilities.
These include enhancing police capabilities through training programs and equipment upgrades, establishing robust intelligence-sharing networks to facilitate information exchange and coordinated operations, and strengthening border security to prevent the movement of criminals and illicit goods.
This meeting marks a crucial step towards building a stronger and more coordinated security architecture within the AES. By pooling their resources and expertise, the three nations aim to effectively address transnational crime and safeguard the security of their citizens.
MD/ac/sf/lb/abj/APA