Kaya: The town of Kaya, in the Kuils© region, hosted the first edition of the KOOM-TANGA International Marathon of the Alliance of Sahel-Saharan States (AES). This major sporting event, which brought together participants from the AES and other neighboring countries, was marked by the victory of Ghanaian Nakassi David over the 21 km distance.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the marathon was held under the high patronage of the Minister of State, Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, C©lestin Simpor©, representing the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso. This first edition of the AES Koom-Tanga international marathon featured two competitions with around fifty professional and amateur athletes, aged 10 to 50.

Corporal Youssouf Youma, one of the promoters, stated that the competition aims to highlight the commitment of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) of the sister countries of the AES, as well as the resilience of their populations.

The international race covered a distance of 21 km between Boussouma and the parade square in Kaya. It was won by Ghanaian Nakassi David with a time of 1 hour 15 minutes 35 seconds, followed by Nigerien Oumarou Souley and Mahaman Tassirou Saidou. Ghanaian Ismael Fialor finished in 4th place, almost at the same time as the first Burkinabe, Yaya Sidib©, who finished 5th in the ranking.

In the local race, run over a distance of 10 km, athlete Kargougou Mohamed from Kaya crossed the finish line first among the 21 participants who started from Louda. Women also participated, with No«lie Sawadogo, a first-year student at the Kaya University Center, finishing 4th overall.

Cash and in-kind prizes were awarded to the most deserving participants, along with special prizes for selected participants.

Minister of State C©lestin Simpor© described the first edition as a resounding success. "This marathon is a powerful symbol of brotherhood, unity, and solidarity among AES member countries," he said, expressing his hope that the competition would grow and attract renowned professional athletes in the future.

The AES Koom-Tanga Marathon is a collaborative initiative by Chief Warrant Officer Ibrahim Dalaiz© of Niger, Lieutenant Colonel Oumar Diarra of Mali, and Corporal Youssouf Youma of Burkina Faso, three brothers-in-arms from AES Confederation member countries.