Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko Visits Burkina Faso to Strengthen Ties

Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s Prime Minister, has visited Burkina Faso, meeting with President Ibrahim Traoré. The aim is to strengthen diplomatic and security ties, offering support to Burkina Faso’s junta amid ongoing threats from armed groups. This trip reflects Senegal’s nuanced approach to regional diplomacy as part of the Alliance of Sahel States.

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has initiated an official visit to Burkina Faso, receiving a warm welcome from transitional President Captain Ibrahim Traoré. This trip highlights a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening diplomatic and security ties between both nations, reflecting growing relations amid complex regional challenges.

The Senegalese Press Agency (APS) reports that Sonko arrived in Ouagadougou with a delegation that included important officials such as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense. He first engaged in discussions with Burkina Faso’s Minister Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo before meeting President Traoré at the presidential palace. The agenda of this visit appears focused on providing much-needed “political and moral support” to Burkina Faso’s junta government.

President Traoré has been at the helm of a transitional government since a military coup in 2022 and faces persistent threats from armed groups, including those affiliated with Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition associated with Al-Qaeda. The officials emphasized the need for solidarity in light of the increasing violence and instability in the region.

Additionally, the discussions between Sonko and Traoré seem to respond to what the latter termed as “attempts at external destabilization,” specifically indicating concerns regarding neighboring Côte d’Ivoire. Given the mutual threats posed by jihadist groups across the Sahel, security cooperation is anticipated to deepen as a result of this visit.

This trip marks Prime Minister Sonko’s second outreach to a member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), following his earlier visit to Mali in August 2024. The AES, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, was formed to strategically counteract increasing tensions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), wherein Senegal has a significant membership.

Sonko’s engagement reflects Dakar’s thoughtful diplomatic approach, aiming to preserve open lines of communication with AES nations despite notable differences among various regional coalitions. This visit not only solidifies ties between Senegal and Burkina Faso but also illustrates regional dynamics as countries navigate their response to security issues that challenge stability in the Sahel.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s visit to Burkina Faso underlines Senegal’s intent to bolster diplomatic and security collaboration with its neighboring state. Amid ongoing threats from armed groups, this meeting serves multiple purposes: fostering solidarity with the junta government and addressing broader regional security concerns. Sonko’s diplomatic endeavors reflect a strategic approach within West African politics, highlighting the importance of dialogue amidst varying political contexts.

Original Source: newscentral.africa