- Burkina Faso and Senegal launched a joint initiative to combat terrorism and transnational crime.
- The strategic pact focuses on intelligence sharing and enhanced security operations.
- This effort aligns with broader regional strategies like the Alliance of Sahel States seeking security independence.
Burkina Faso and Senegal have taken a significant step toward strengthening regional security with the launch of a joint initiative to combat terrorism and transnational crime.
Burkina Faso links up with Senegal to launch joint front against terrorism
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Burkina Faso and Senegal, two prominent nations in West Africa, share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and geopolitical ties that continue to shape their bilateral relations.
Despite not sharing a direct border, both nations remain linked by their shared location in the Sahel and common security concerns. In recent years, growing regional instability, driven by terrorism, organized crime, and arms trafficking has further galvanized their partnership.
During an official visit to Ouagadougou by Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, the two governments announced a strategic pact aimed at deepening intelligence sharing and enhancing joint security operations.
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According to the joint statement, both Burkina Faso and Senegal stressed the need to pool efforts and enhance information sharing to combat terrorism, illicit arms trafficking, cross-border crime, and other regional threats.
They recognized terrorism and violent extremism as major challenges to stability and sustainable development, calling for coordinated actions and greater international support for local initiatives.
Acknowledging the persistence of terrorism and violent extremism as major threats to stability and sustainable development, the two delegations called for coordinated actions and increased mobilization of the international community in support of local efforts.
The discussions centered on shared priorities including diplomacy, defense, security, culture, sports, trade, economy, and finance.
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“Both parties also welcomed the convergence of views between Their Excellencies Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso and Head of State, and Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, on respecting state sovereignty and the control of their own destinies without foreign interference.” the statement added.
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Former French colonies prioritize security
Historically part of French West Africa, both countries inherited similar legal and administrative systems, as well as French as an official language.
These commonalities have laid a strong foundation for diplomatic engagement and facilitated seamless intergovernmental cooperation.
Former French colonies in West Africa are increasingly asserting their desire for security independence as regional threats escalate and confidence in traditional alliances wanes.
Countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—now aligned under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—have begun reshaping their defense strategies, prioritizing national sovereignty over external military partnerships.
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In March 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced the formation of a joint military force under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to combat escalating terrorist threats in the Sahel region.
The 5,000-strong force will integrate air, land, and intelligence capabilities and is expected to be operational imminently .
Similarly, nations like Senegal are turning to bilateral and regional pacts, such as the recent security agreement with Burkina Faso, to strengthen homegrown responses to terrorism, arms trafficking, and cross-border crime
Through this initiative, Burkina Faso and Senegal are not only addressing immediate security concerns but also setting a precedent for regional cooperation in the face of complex transnational challenges.
