OUAGADOUGOU – Burkina Faso is intensifying its efforts in cross-border cooperation to bolster security and foster regional integration, emulating the success of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in curbing terrorism in the tri-border area. The Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, emphasized the government’s commitment to making this strategic cooperation a focal point for managing borders effectively.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Burkina Faso has achieved significant security and developmental milestones through collaborations with neighboring countries. These efforts have not only mitigated numerous border tensions but have also fostered a stable environment conducive to economic, social, and cultural advancement. The minister highlighted the importance of such cooperation in addressing migration and ensuring the free movement of people and goods.

Further strengthening regional ties, Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has formed the Alliance of Sahel States. This initiative has notably weakened armed terrorist factions within the three-border region, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative security measures. The remarks were made during a statement on African Borders Day, an event Burkina Faso has marked annually since 2013.

This year’s commemoration, themed “Border management faced with security challenges in the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States: challenges and perspectives,” seeks to address and strategize on the ongoing security challenges in the region.