At the 10th edition of the International Dakar Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the absolute interdependence of West African nations in the face of escalating regional threats.
Speaking at the high-level debate in Diamniadio, President Faye argued that security challenges are no longer confined by national borders, asserting that a threat in one country, such as Mali or Mauritania, inevitably impacts its neighbors. He warned that isolated national responses are insufficient to achieve lasting stability and cautioned against allowing the creation of ungoverned spaces that could provide sanctuary for armed groups.
The Senegalese head of state also addressed the complex balance between national sovereignty and the necessity of regional coordination. He proposed a framework where domestic control is maintained through regional coherence and carefully managed international partnerships. This balanced approach is intended to ensure that while individual states remain in control of their internal affairs, they operate within a synchronized regional strategy that prevents gaps in the collective security architecture.
On a practical level, President Faye called for a multidimensional response that moves beyond traditional military action to include enhanced intelligence-sharing and tighter border surveillance. He advocated for frequent joint operations between the defense and security forces of neighboring countries to create a unified front against terrorism. By positioning the Dakar Forum as a strategic platform for this dialogue, Faye aimed to move the subregion toward a more integrated security model where information and operational resources are pooled to counter shared risks effectively.
AC/lb/abj/APA