Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has been appointed President of the Confederation of Sahel States for a one-year term, taking over from Mali’s leader, General Assimi Goïta, at the close of the second Ordinary Session of the College of Heads of State in Bamako.
The summit brought together the three AES leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, and concluded with the adoption of four new protocols strengthening the confederation’s framework on defense and security, diplomatic coordination, development planning and parliamentary cooperation.
The leaders also condemned renewed terrorist threats against member states, noting that improved coordination among defense and security forces has significantly weakened armed groups.
The presentation of the flag to the AES joint military force formally marked the launch of combined operations across the confederation.
The heads of state also endorsed measures to deepen confederal identity, including the introduction of a logo, flag, anthem, motto, and common identity and travel documents, alongside plans to roll out AES television and radio stations and a Confederal Bank for Investment and Development.
On the economic front, progress was noted on the confederal levy and financing mechanisms aimed at supporting sustainable development projects, while encouraging policy convergence and free movement of people and goods.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to constructive engagement with ECOWAS following consultations held in May 2025 and restated their long-term vision of transforming the confederation into a federation.
In his acceptance address, President Traoré pledged continuity in ongoing reforms and outlined priorities for the second year, as the session ended with satisfaction over progress made since the inaugural summit in Niamey.
