Faith Nyasuguta
Burkina Faso and Senegal have unveiled a new strategic alliance aimed at tackling terrorism, arms trafficking, and cross-border crime in the volatile Sahel region. The initiative marks a bold move toward regional self-reliance in security matters, away from traditional external partnerships.
The announcement came during Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s official visit to Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou. His meeting with Burkinabe officials culminated in a pact emphasizing intelligence sharing and enhanced joint security operations between the two West African nations.
Though they do not share a border, Burkina Faso and Senegal are bound by historical ties and similar geopolitical challenges. Both countries have witnessed growing insecurity from violent extremist groups and criminal networks operating across porous regional borders. These threats, particularly in the Sahel, have prompted urgent calls for collective action.
A joint statement from the two governments highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation through real-time intelligence exchange and coordinated military efforts. It identified terrorism and violent extremism as key threats to national stability and sustainable development, stressing the urgency of uniting their responses.
“Both parties also welcomed the convergence of views between Their Excellencies Captain Ibrahim Traore, President of Faso and Head of State, and Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, on respecting state sovereignty and the control of their own destinies without foreign interference,” the statement noted.
This security pact aligns with a growing trend among former French colonies in West Africa to assert greater control over their defense strategies. As confidence in international military coalitions wanes, countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have begun forming their own frameworks to combat terrorism.
In 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, operating under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES),announced a joint 5,000-strong military force. This regional army, which integrates land, air, and intelligence assets, is expected to be operational soon. The AES emphasizes sovereignty and homegrown solutions, rejecting foreign military presence in their territories.
Senegal, while not a member of the AES, has shown willingness to engage in similar bilateral agreements with trusted neighbors. Its recent collaboration with Burkina Faso shows a shared understanding that local solutions are increasingly vital in the fight against insurgency and organized crime.
The historical context further deepens their partnership. Both Burkina Faso and Senegal were once part of French West Africa, inheriting similar administrative systems, legal frameworks, and the French language as an official medium. These commonalities continue to facilitate diplomatic dialogue and coordinated action.
By launching this joint security initiative, Burkina Faso and Senegal are not only addressing immediate threats but also reinforcing a regional model for sovereignty-driven defense cooperation. As terrorism and transnational crime continue to evolve in complexity, such alliances could serve as templates for broader continental strategies.
In a region often marked by fragmentation and foreign dependence, this new pact signals a shift toward African-led responses, rooted in mutual respect, shared challenges, and a unified vision for lasting peace and security.
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