On November 5, 2026, General Assimi Goïta, the head of state of Mali, arrived in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, marking a significant step in consolidating the political unity of the Sahel region. He was welcomed by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the president of Burkina Faso. This visit follows a diplomatic sequence that began a week earlier in Moscow, where Goïta attended the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit.
The meeting between Goïta and Traoré aimed to harmonize the roadmap negotiated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on geological agreements and financial cooperation between the AES (Alliance of Sahel States) and the Russian bank VEB.RF. A joint communiqué signed by the foreign ministers of Mali and Burkina Faso, Abdoulaye Diop and Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, respectively, reflected the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral ties and coordinate their diplomatic efforts.
During their discussions, Goïta and Traoré instructed their governments to finalize preparations for the 11th session of the Great Mixed Commission of Burkina-Mali Cooperation, which will take place in Ouagadougou. This development indicates a renewed commitment to institutional mechanisms and enhanced cooperation on security issues, particularly in the face of transborder threats.
The visit also underscored the human dimension of Sahelian integration. Captain Ibrahim Traoré expressed the gratitude of the Burkinabè people for the welcome extended by Bamako to Burkinabè nationals expelled from the Republic of Guinea. This episode highlights a solidarity that extends beyond strategic cooperation to include free movement, health, and education.
In their joint communiqué, Goïta and Traoré reiterated their appreciation for the progress made by the AES in defense, security, diplomacy, development, health, and education. They also reviewed major international issues and welcomed their convergent views on multipolarity and reform of global governance institutions.
At the end of the visit, General Goïta thanked his counterpart, the government, and the Burkinabè people for the warm reception. He praised the vision and efforts of Captain Traoré in implementing confederal ideals and invited him to make an official visit to the Republic of Mali, which was accepted. The date of the visit will be determined through diplomatic channels.
The meeting between Goïta and Traoré confirms that the partnership with Moscow is intended to serve an autonomous and sustainable confederal vision. By sealing this agreement in Ouagadougou, the leaders of the AES reaffirm their commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination within the Sahel region.
Key points
- Strengthening ties between Mali and Burkina Faso
- Enhancing cooperation on security issues
- Promoting Sahelian integration and solidarity
Reporting sources
- Mali-Burkina : Assimi chez « IB » après... · Maliweb.net
