Cooperation within the ESA | Mali Reaffirms Support for Burkina Faso’s Presidency

Bamako, January 12, 2026 - As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and share experiences among the ESA National Committees and Commissions of the Confederation’s member states, His Excellency Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held a working meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, with a delegation from the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States of Burkina Faso, led by its President, Bassolma Bazie, during a courtesy and working visit to Mali. This visit followed the appointment of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso, as head of the ESA Confederation, after the inaugural term entrusted to General Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition in Mali. During fraternal and fruitful discussions, Minister Diop highlighted the challenges encountered in implementing the Confederation, the joint results achieved in applying the roadmap during its first year, the lessons learned from coordinating confederal activities, and the prospects for meeting the aspirations of the people, in line with the shared vision of the three Heads of State. Given the confederal and ultimately federal nature of the vision, both sides emphasized the priority of meeting the population’s essential needs through concrete actions with a direct impact on living conditions. These include strengthening the free movement of people and promoting socio-economic integration, within a spirit of fraternity, solidarity, pragmatism, shared commitment, and continuity of action. While acknowledging the significant progress achieved during the first term, the President of the ESA Confederation Commission of Burkina Faso requested Mali’s support and assistance to continue the Confederation’s missions under Burkina Faso’s presidency. Minister Diop stated: “The ESA Confederation train has simply changed drivers, but Mali remains on board to reach the agreed destination together.” He concluded by reaffirming the unwavering availability and commitment of the Malian authorities and people to support the shared vision, particularly regarding the security of the Confederation’s territory, the promotion of sustainable development and shared prosperity, within a framework of integration and strengthened diplomacy.

Faits rapportés

Bamako, January 12, 2026 - As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and share experiences among the ESA National Committees and Commissions of the Confederation’s member states, His Excellency Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held a working meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, with a delegation from the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States of Burkina Faso, led by its President, Bassolma Bazie, during a courtesy and working visit to Mali. This visit followed the appointment of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso, as head of the ESA Confederation, after the inaugural term entrusted to General Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition in Mali. During fraternal and fruitful discussions, Minister Diop highlighted the challenges encountered in implementing the Confederation, the joint results achieved in applying the roadmap during its first year, the lessons learned from coordinating confederal activities, and the prospects for meeting the aspirations of the people, in line with the shared vision of the three Heads of State. Given the confederal and ultimately federal nature of the vision, both sides emphasized the priority of meeting the population’s essential needs through concrete actions with a direct impact on living conditions. These include strengthening the free movement of people and promoting socio-economic integration, within a spirit of fraternity, solidarity, pragmatism, shared commitment, and continuity of action. While acknowledging the significant progress achieved during the first term, the President of the ESA Confederation Commission of Burkina Faso requested Mali’s support and assistance to continue the Confederation’s missions under Burkina Faso’s presidency. Minister Diop stated: “The ESA Confederation train has simply changed drivers, but Mali remains on board to reach the agreed destination together.” He concluded by reaffirming the unwavering availability and commitment of the Malian authorities and people to support the shared vision, particularly regarding the security of the Confederation’s territory, the promotion of sustainable development and shared prosperity, within a framework of integration and strengthened diplomacy.