Security leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger unite to strengthen Sahel alliance
Top law enforcement officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger convened in Ouagadougou this week for a critical meeting aimed at deepening security collaboration within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The gathering brought together police chiefs and security experts to devise a unified response to the escalating threats gripping the region.
Central to the discussions was the need to synchronize policing strategies, streamline information-sharing systems, and boost operational readiness across borders. Key areas of focus included joint investigations, crowd control protocols, and the integration of advanced technological tools to enhance security measures.
Building a cohesive security framework
At the opening session, Burkina Faso’s Inspector General Thierry Dofizouho Tuina, who heads the national police force, emphasized the role of law enforcement as a driving force behind the AES’s development. He described the police as indispensable instruments in shaping a stable and secure future for the confederation. The meeting follows earlier commitments made during the inaugural police chiefs’ summit in Bamako earlier this year, as well as a high-level security ministers’ conference held in July.
Facilitating movement and reducing barriers
The delegates also addressed the challenge of unobstructed movement of people and goods within the AES territory. Proposals included standardizing border control procedures, enhancing intelligence exchanges, and eliminating unlawful roadblocks that hinder trade and travel. The goal is to foster smoother mobility while maintaining rigorous security oversight.
Unified action against rising threats
Youssouf Koné, Mali’s Police Chief, highlighted the urgency of pooling resources to meet public security demands and propel the confederation’s growth. Meanwhile, Commissioner General Assahaba Ebankawal from Niger stressed that stronger collaboration is essential to counter the surge in terrorist attacks, transnational crime, and other evolving security risks facing the three nations.
The three-day deliberations are expected to yield actionable recommendations designed to solidify police cooperation and ensure a safer Sahel region.
