APRM at the Service of Good Governance in the AES...

On Monday, December 2, 2024, the Permanent Secretariat of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) opened a two-day workshop in Ouagadougou focused on its role in the new dynamics of the Sahel States Confederation (AES). This meeting brings together experts from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to explore the potential contributions of this mechanism in promoting good governance.

Dieudonné W. Désiré SOUGOURI, Chief of Staff of the Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially opened the proceedings with a speech on behalf of His Excellency the Minister. In his address, Mr. SOUGOURI emphasized that the APRM, designed by Africans for Africa, is a unique model of peer review. He reminded the audience that its principles align with the political and governance model adopted by AES member states.

For Brahima OUEDRAOGO, Permanent Secretary of the APRM, this workshop is an opportunity to revisit the founding principles of the institution and align its missions with current challenges. “Good governance is a crucial pillar in the process of consolidating the Confederation”, he stated.

Discussions will focus on integrating ongoing governance actions into the transition processes in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. According to Mr. OUEDRAOGO, these transitions provide an ideal opportunity to position the APRM as a strategic lever to support the sovereignty and development of AES member states.

The workshop also aims to explore concrete mechanisms to assist these countries in their pursuit of sound and inclusive governance, while promoting local initiatives that showcase progress in these areas.

With this renewed commitment, the APRM aims to play a key role in the success of the AES, strengthening sovereignty and sustainable development through exemplary governance.