On September 28, 2026, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, the Burkinabé Minister of Foreign Affairs, took the podium at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He delivered a speech on behalf of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which comprises Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Traoré began by congratulating Kalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st session and expressed the AES's best wishes for his success.
Traoré emphasized that he was speaking on behalf of the leaders of the AES: Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, General Assimi Goïta of Mali, and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger. He paid tribute to the victims of terrorism in the Sahel region and acknowledged the resilience of the populations and the bravery of the defense and security forces. Traoré also expressed condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives due to terrorism.
The Burkinabé Minister strongly condemned the terrorist violence that has plagued the Sahel region for over a decade, stating that it has been fueled by criminal networks and their supporters. He asserted that these efforts will not succeed in subjugating the Sahel region through fear. Traoré also honored the memory of fallen defense and security forces, including General Sadio Camara, who was assassinated on April 25, 2026.
Traoré highlighted the determination of the AES to reconquer its territory, defend its dignity, and ensure its right to live in peace and security. He praised the courage and resilience of the populations of the Sahel region and reiterated his gratitude to all peoples and nations that share the AES's struggle for peace, dignity, and liberty.
The AES, Traoré stated, is a symbol of the refusal of fatality and tutelage, as well as the rejection of selective indignation in the face of human drama. He emphasized that the confederal dynamic is not a sign of isolation but rather a manifestation of the will to break free from the vicious circle of structural domination and exploitation.
Traoré outlined the progress made by the AES since the adoption of the Liptako-Gourma Charter on September 16, 2023, and the creation of the Alliance on July 6, 2024. He mentioned the operationalization of the Unified Force of the Confederation, the creation of the Bank for Investment and Development, and the strengthening of historical ties between communities and forces.
The AES, Traoré said, welcomes the theme of the 81st session: "Rebuilding trust, managing transformation: an Organization for all." He noted that this theme acknowledges the erosion of trust among members due to double standards, partial positions, and institutionalized injustice.
Key points
- The Burkinabé Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, represented the Alliance of Sahel States at the 81st UN General Assembly.
- Traoré condemned terrorist violence in the Sahel region and emphasized the determination of the AES to reconquer its territory and defend its dignity.
- The AES is working to break free from structural domination and exploitation, and to build a new horizon for the peoples of the Sahel region.
