Burkina Faso/Military Cooperation: The First Benefits Of The Alliance Of Sahel States (AES)

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which focuses particularly on military cooperation between the three signatory countries, is already showing its advantages. Burkina Faso will soon be sending a Burkinabe military contingent to Niger. The transitional parliament has agreed to this.

Adopted on 30 August in the Council of Ministers, the bill on the sending of a Burkinabe military contingent to the Republic of Niger was then submitted to the Legislative Assembly of the transition for approval. This bill was passed on Tuesday, September 19, unanimously by the 71 members of the Assembly.

This law therefore provides a legal framework for military cooperation between Burkina Faso and Niger. It is also an opportunity for the authorities of the transition to act in favor of Niger and the fight against terrorism, in accordance with the LIPTAKO-GOURMA charter signed on Saturday, September 16 between Burkina, Mali and Niger.

In doing so, Burkina Faso is honouring its commitment made during the signing of the Charter, in terms of mutual assistance and collective defence against terrorism and any aggression by an external army. The duration of the mission of the Burkinabe military contingent in Niger is three (03) years renewable.

As a reminder, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger share the same borders in the Sahel called the «three-border zone» where jihadists reign supreme. Military cooperation between these three border countries and brothers, will allow them to strengthen their means for a more effective struggle.

Samirou Nyaoré