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

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko visited Burkina Faso to enhance diplomatic and security ties with the transitional government led by President Ibrahim Traoré. The visit aims to offer political support in the face of increased armed group attacks. This follows Sonko’s previous trip to Mali and reflects Senegal’s strategic approach toward AES countries.

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has embarked on an official visit to Burkina Faso, where he received a warm welcome from the transitional President Captain Ibrahim Traoré. This visit emphasizes the increasing efforts to bolster diplomatic relations and security cooperation between these two West African countries.

Sonko’s arrival in Ouagadougou was accompanied by key officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense from Senegal. During discussions with Burkinabè officials, including Prime Minister Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo, Sonko then met with President Traoré at the presidential palace for further talks.

The Senegalese Press Agency (APS) noted that the objective of this trip is to provide “political and moral support” to Burkina Faso’s junta government, which has been in power since a military coup in 2022. President Traoré’s administration is currently facing intense challenges due to attacks by armed groups such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition affiliated with Al-Qaeda operating throughout the Sahel region.

Furthermore, the meeting between Sonko and Traoré is perceived as a response to what the junta labels as “attempts at external destabilisation,” particularly accusing neighboring Côte d’Ivoire. Recognizing the mutual threats posed by jihadist insurgencies, there is hope that this visit will pave the way for significant improvements in security collaboration between the nations.

Interestingly, this visit marks Sonko’s second diplomatic mission to a country within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), having previously visited Mali in August 2024. The AES, which also includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, was established as a strategic coalition to address escalating tensions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)—an organization that Senegal still participates in.

Sonko’s visit reflects Dakar’s intricate diplomatic strategy, navigating relationships with AES countries while contending with divergent perspectives within regional alliances. This indicates a continued commitment to open dialogues and cooperation with neighboring nations amidst various political dynamics, certainly a move that could shape future regional stability.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s visit to Burkina Faso highlights significant diplomatic and security collaborations between Senegal and Burkina Faso. It seeks to strengthen regional ties amidst rising security challenges. Furthermore, this trip underscores Senegal’s strategic approach to maintaining communication with the AES countries while navigating the complex landscape of regional politics. The implications of Sonko’s visit could resonate in enhancing cooperation against shared threats in the Sahel region.

Original Source: newscentral.africa