Bassirou Diomaye Faye has urged a coordinated continental response to the growing terrorist threat in West Africa, warning that insecurity in Mali has direct consequences for neighboring states, including Senegal.
In an interview with local media, the Senegalese leader stressed the deep historical and social ties between countries in the sub-region, stating that “everything that happens in Mali affects Senegal and vice versa.” He called for the fight against terrorism to be treated as “an African issue,” requiring collective ownership and action.
Faye highlighted ongoing cooperation with Bamako, including intelligence sharing and joint patrols, as well as economic support measures such as facilitating Malian trade through the port of Dakar.
Within the framework of Economic Community of West African States, he advocated for stronger collective security mechanisms, particularly the activation of a regional standby force, despite acknowledged tensions linked to the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States.
Emphasizing that no nation is immune to terrorism, he pointed to global examples such as the September 11 attacks.
He concluded by calling for sustained dialogue and regional mobilization to develop effective African-led solutions, as the Sahel continues to face a resurgence of attacks and shifting security alliances.
