Burkina Faso: Sahel Security Chiefs meet in Ouagadougou to strengthen joint counterterrorism efforts
Burkina Faso’s leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré hosted a high-level meeting on Tuesday with defense chiefs from the Sahel States Alliance (AES), signaling a deepening of military cooperation among Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in their fight against terrorism.
The discussions focused on ongoing joint operations—particularly Yéréko 1 and 2 along the tri-border area—as well as plans to enhance the AES unified force.
Major General Oumar Diarra, Mali’s Armed Forces Chief and chair of the committee, praised Traoré’s leadership, emphasizing the shared commitment to regional security.
The meeting comes as extremist groups continue shifting tactics, requiring a coordinated military and political response.
Traoré reiterated his support for strengthening the joint force, underscoring the need for public trust in both leadership and armed forces.
Meanwhile, in Bamako, air force commanders convened separately to discuss integrating air defense capabilities—another step toward tighter military collaboration.
With Traoré at the helm, the AES nations are pushing for a self-reliant, united front against terrorism, marking a decisive shift toward regional security autonomy.
Souley Lamina
