Burkina Faso is showcasing its changing foreign policy, regional alliances and push for greater national sovereignty at a government exhibition in Ouagadougou, highlighting diplomatic initiatives launched under President Ibrahim Traoré.
Held at the Soleil Levant Pavilion of the International Arts and Crafts Fair of Ouagadougou (SIAO), the exhibition features the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ work on national sovereignty, the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), diaspora engagement and the modernisation of Burkina Faso’s diplomatic services.
The exhibition has also given visitors an opportunity to question Burkinabè diplomats about the country’s foreign relations and how its diplomatic missions promote Burkina Faso internationally.
According to the ministry, Burkina Faso maintains diplomatic relations with 180 countries, a figure officials and visitors have cited as evidence that the country is not isolated despite tensions with some foreign partners.
The event comes as Burkina Faso, together with Mali and Niger, pursues a more independent foreign policy through the AES, while distancing itself from several traditional Western partnerships.
