Senegal’s Prime Minister Sonko Enhances Ties During Burkina Faso Visit

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko visits Burkina Faso to bolster diplomatic and security ties, meeting with President Traoré. The meeting focuses on supporting Burkina Faso’s junta government amid growing regional security challenges from armed groups. This is Sonko’s second outreach to an AES member.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of Senegal has officially embarked on a visit to Burkina Faso. He was welcomed by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s transitional President. This visit signifies increasing efforts to enhance both diplomatic and security cooperation between these two West African nations, amid ongoing regional security challenges.

Sonko’s arrival in Ouagadougou was accompanied by various high-ranking officials, which included Senegal’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers. Meetings were promptly organized, with Sonko holding discussions with Burkinabè Prime Minister Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo, prior to an audience with President Traoré at the presidential palace.

According to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), the principal objective of Sonko’s visit is to render “political and moral support” to the junta government of Burkina Faso. President Traoré has been at the helm since a military coup occurred in 2022, during which his administration has been grappling with increasing assaults from armed groups—many linked to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated coalition, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)—operating throughout the Sahel region.

The discussions between Sonko and Traoré come amid what the junta has termed “attempts at external destabilisation,” particularly from neighboring Côte d’Ivoire. Both leaders are likely to agree on enhancing their security collaboration in light of the pressing jihadist threats facing their countries. The alignment reflects shared regional concerns.

This visit marks the second time Prime Minister Sonko has engaged in diplomatic talks with an Alliance of Sahel States (AES) member, following his earlier trip to Mali in August 2024. The AES, which comprises Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, was forged as a strategic response to the growing tensions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), an organization to which Senegal is a member.

Sonko’s visit underscores Dakar’s strategic and nuanced approach to diplomacy within the region. It highlights Senegal’s willingness to maintain dialogue with AES nations, despite varying viewpoints and structures in the regional blocs.

In summary, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s official visit to Burkina Faso highlights the strengthening of diplomatic ties and security cooperation between Senegal and Burkina Faso. Amid ongoing security challenges, Sonko’s discussions with President Traoré aim to provide vital support to the transitional government, further reinforcing regional collaboration against extremist threats.

Original Source: newscentral.africa