On Monday, April 20, 2026, African Union Chairperson and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye called for the creation of a “shared future” between the continental body and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) following high-level talks in Ouagadougou.
Meeting with Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Ndayishimiye emphasized the need for a sustained rapprochement, positioning the African Union as a vital bridge between the continent’s diverse institutions and its people.
During his address to the press at the presidential palace, Ndayishimiye praised the resilience of the Burkinabè people and commended Captain Traoré’s dedication to the regional fight against terrorism. He noted that the situation in Burkina Faso appeared stable and highlighted the warm reception he received from the public. The discussions centered primarily on the security crises currently gripping the Sahel and the potential for formalizing closer ties between the AU and the AES member states, which include Mali and Niger alongside Burkina Faso.
This diplomatic mission occurs at a critical juncture as the AES countries continue to redefine their regional partnerships and intensify their independent counterterrorism operations. President Ndayishimiye announced that he would submit a formal report to the African Union detailing the outcomes of his visit. He expressed hope that this report would serve as the foundation for a renewed partnership, signaling a strategic shift toward direct engagement with the Sahelian confederation to ensure regional stability and institutional cooperation.
HO/te/Sf/lb/abj/APA