The Transitional Legislative Assembly (TLA) of Burkina Faso ratified the treaty establishing the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) on March 27, 2024, solidifying regional cooperation with Mali and Niger.
The TLA, the legislative body established following the January 2022 military takeover, approved the treaty, which was initially signed on July 6, 2024, by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Mali and Niger had already ratified the treaty due to their respective internal procedures.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, explained that the TLA’s adoption completes Burkina Faso’s ratification process. He noted that, according to the treaty, each signatory must ratify the text according to its constitutional standards. “Initially, Burkina Faso considered ratification by referendum, but due to the current national context, it was impossible to follow this procedure.”
The government subsequently revised its standards, enabling the TLA to approve the treaty. The ratification passed with 70 votes in favor and one abstention, demonstrating strong support within the Assembly.
Minister Traore emphasized that this ratification allows Burkina Faso to align with other AES member states. “The treaty is now entering its active phase, following the deposit of the last instrument of ratification, and the Confederation of Sahel States will then be able to begin its concrete implementation.”
The AES, formed in July 2024, eight months after the Alliance’s creation, aims to enhance regional cooperation in security, economic development, and natural resource management.
This ratification represents a significant step towards consolidating regional integration, despite the ongoing political and security challenges in the region.
AC/fss/abj/APA