Strengthening the Confederation of Sahel States: Foreign Ministers Report Significant Progress

Ouagadougou, November 27, 2025 - The meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States concluded on Wednesday evening, November 26, 2025, in Ouagadougou with the signing of the session minutes, a press release, and a motion of thanks addressed to the Confederation’s leaders.

During this preparatory session ahead of the second meeting of the College of Heads of State-scheduled for December 22 and 23, 2025, in Bamako-Their Excellencies Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré (Burkina Faso), Abdoulaye Diop (Mali), and Bakary Yaou Sangaré (Niger) reviewed the actions taken since the creation of the Confederation to advance its establishment and strengthen its presence at regional and international levels.

According to the three ministers, the Ouagadougou meeting is fully aligned with the vision of the Heads of State of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSA), which seeks to build a sovereign, secure, and prosperous space for the benefit of the peoples of the Sahel.

The ministers examined in detail the implementation of the Confederation’s roadmap, under Mali’s presidency, developed during the first Summit of Heads of State held on July 6, 2024, in Niamey, Niger.

A year and a half after the CSA’s creation, the ministers noted substantial progress in consolidating the bloc.

They highlighted achievements by the three member states in addressing security challenges, strengthening diplomatic coordination, and promoting socio-economic development for the populations of the Confederation.

The ministers also denounced what they described as “media terrorism” waged by segments of the international press seeking to tarnish the image of CSA member states and undermine the development efforts led by their presidents. Applauding the resilience of Sahelian populations and their confidence in national leadership, they reaffirmed their determination to continue building the Confederation in the same spirit, consistent with the vision of the Heads of State.

At the close of the session, the ministers extended special appreciation to the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for his commitment-alongside his Malian and Nigerien counterparts-to consolidating the achievements of the CSA and upholding the dignity of the region within Africa and beyond, in keeping with its pan-African orientation.