Bamako, Mali – The second joint government council between Mali and Burkina Faso was convened in Bamako on Friday, November 24, 2023. This significant meeting, under the leadership of Burkinabe Prime Minister Apolinaire Kyelem de Tambela and his Malian counterpart, Choguel Maiga, focused on addressing pressing issues and enhancing economic and social development in both countries.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the council covered a range of topics including political, diplomatic, defense, security, and economic and social development. These issues are of paramount concern to both Burkina Faso and Mali. The joint council meeting, symbolizing the strong relations between the two countries, was aimed at addressing various critical concerns affecting not only these nations but also the broader African continent.
Malian Prime Minister Choguel Maïga emphasized the symbolic nature of the meeting, highlighting its purpose to showcase the close ties and shared goals of Mali and Burkina Faso. He stressed that the discussions centered on vital and immediate concerns of both countries, including the fight against terrorism. “Our work has only just begun. What we are doing today is to raise awareness among people and destroy terrorism in our countries. We must govern to the satisfaction of all the citizens of our countries,” stated Maïga. He further underlined the need for both countries to focus on economic, social, and cultural development post-terrorism eradication.
Echoing these sentiments, Burkinabe Prime Minister Apolinaire Kyelem de Tambela, accompanied by a delegation of nearly ten ministers, called for a deepened partnership beyond existing treaties and cooperation agreements. “Between Mali and Burkina, we must go beyond treaties and cooperation agreements. Let us dare to go further, let us dare to invent the future,” he asserted. Tambela also referenced the ongoing dynamic changes in the sub-region, acknowledging the roles both Mali and Burkina Faso have played in these developments.
The council meeting marks a step forward in the collaborative efforts of Mali and Burkina Faso to address common challenges and work towards a prosperous future for their nations.