Ouagadougou: Prime Minister, Head of Government, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO, presided over the closing ceremony of the 6th edition of International Identity Day, held on September 19, 2025. The event witnessed significant national participation and included official delegations from Mali and Niger, member nations of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, organized by the National Identification Office (ONI) under the Ministry of Security, took place from September 15 to 19, 2025. The theme centered on "Integrated harmonization of identity and travel documents in the AES area: current situation, challenges, and opportunities for the free movement of people and goods." Discussions addressed the interfacing of identification systems, smart border management, and challenges of regional interoperability.
Participants at the event concluded with recommendations for the operationalization of a roadmap for harmonizing identity documents within the ESA. They emphasized modernizing and digitalizing identification systems for interoperability and security, strengthening border controls while ensuring free movement of citizens, and integrating internally displaced persons and marginalized populations into registration systems.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Head of State Captain Ibrahim TRAORE, Prime Minister OUEDRAOGO emphasized the sovereignty issue of identity for ESA States. He remarked, "Identity is the foundation of the State, the first recognition of existence, and the key to accessing all fundamental rights." He advocated for a confederally harmonized identity between the three states, essential for facilitating free movement, strengthening regional security, and promoting social inclusion.
The Prime Minister outlined strategic directions for future endeavors: establishing interoperable, modern, and digital identification systems ensuring personal data protection; harmonizing identity and travel documents within the Sahel for smooth mobility; and including vulnerable populations through innovative solutions adapted to ground realities. He highlighted the duty to restore the right to identity for all, enabling dignified living, participation in national cohesion, and institutional legitimacy.
Bassolma BAZIE, representing the sponsors as President of the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States, praised the initiative as a sovereign and strategic act: "Sovereignty is not just spoken about, it is organized." He commended the inclusion of sister countries and the rigorous implementation of decisions in identification.
Over the five-day celebration, various activities were conducted nationwide, including special operations for issuing CNIBs with 27,545 applications registered, technological exhibitions, open days, panels, and high-level thematic communications.