Burkina Faso: Under Ibrahim Traoré, the AES places humanitarian aid at the heart of Sahelian resilience
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Acting President of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), has made humanitarian issues a strategic priority. Faced with the security and socio-economic challenges undermining the region, his vision goes beyond crisis management to focus on building a sustainable future grounded in the resilience and self-reliance of local populations.
During a meeting on August 12, 2026, in Ouagadougou with the AES ministers responsible for Humanitarian Action and Gender, President Traoré reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian initiatives and the promotion of gender equality.
The delegation’s spokesperson, Mali’s Minister of Health and Social Development, Colonel-Major Assa Badiallo Touré, emphasized that “the AES’s humanitarian strategy must go beyond simply managing immediate crises to build a lasting future.” She added: “We must move beyond emergency response and shift toward resilience and recovery projects for our populations.”
This direction is part of a joint roadmap developed during consultations in Niamey and Bamako, aimed at transforming humanitarian action into a driver of endogenous development.
Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, advocated for an integrated approach during the AES Humanitarian Forum, stating: “Assistance cannot be an end in itself. Humanitarian action must address emergencies while simultaneously preparing the conditions for self-sufficiency.”
Under Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso has also undertaken structural reforms.
A decree adopted in July 2026 mandates compulsory accreditation for humanitarian NGOs and requires that 60% of funding be allocated to strengthening the economic autonomy of beneficiaries.
The text also prohibits the dissemination of images depicting vulnerable individuals, putting an end to a practice deemed degrading.
In 2025, the government used a $4.5 million indemnity from the African Risk Capacity to purchase cereals and livestock, while in May 2025, $160 million worth of agricultural equipment was distributed to farmers as part of the “agropastoral offensive.”
Thus, under Captain Traoré’s stewardship, the AES is making humanitarian action a cornerstone of Sahelian resilience combining emergency relief, dignity, and self-reliance.
