Senegal’s Prime Minister Sonko Strengthens Ties with Burkina Faso…

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko visited Burkina Faso and met with President Ibrahim Traoré to strengthen diplomatic and security ties. The trip aimed to support Burkina Faso’s transitional government amid rising insurgent attacks. This visit is Sonko’s second outreach following a trip to Mali, reflecting Senegal’s nuanced approach to regional diplomacy despite varying stances within regional organizations.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of Senegal has embarked on an official visit to Burkina Faso, greeted with warmth by the country’s transitional President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The aim, as noted during the visit, is to bolster diplomatic and security ties between Senegal and Burkina Faso, which are both navigating complex regional challenges.

Arriving in Ouagadougou with a delegation that included prominent officials such as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense, Sonko engaged in discussions with Burkinabè Prime Minister Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo prior to his meeting with President Traoré. This high-level dialogue highlights the significance of their collaboration in addressing mutual concerns.

According to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), the trip seeks to provide “political and moral support” to Burkina Faso’s junta government, which has faced mounting security challenges. President Traoré, in power since a military coup in 2022, is currently addressing escalating violence from armed groups, notably those aligned with Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate active in the Sahel region.

The discussions held by Sonko and Traoré are particularly relevant amid accusations from the Burkinabè junta regarding “attempts at external destabilisation,” especially from neighboring Côte d’Ivoire. With jihadist insurgencies on the rise, both countries are likely to pursue deeper security collaboration to tackle these pressing threats.

This visit represents Sonko’s second engagement with a member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), following his trip to Mali back in August 2024. The AES, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, formed as a strategic coalition in response to rising tensions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which continues to include Senegal as a member.

In summary, Prime Minister Sonko’s visit to Burkina Faso marks a significant step in reinforcing diplomatic relations amid shared security concerns. Senegal’s approach towards these collaborations indicates a balancing act in regional diplomacy, ensuring continued dialogue with AES nations despite the challenges posed by varying affiliations within regional organizations.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s visit to Burkina Faso exemplifies Senegal’s commitment to fostering stronger diplomatic and security relations amidst ongoing challenges in the Sahel region. With Burkina Faso facing increasing violence from insurgent groups, this collaboration is timely. Furthermore, it showcases a nuanced diplomatic strategy by Senegal, aiming to maintain communication with neighboring AES states while navigating its position within ECOWAS.

Original Source: newscentral.africa