Sahel: The Future of Regional Integration"

In Turkey, "Sahel: The Future of Regional Integration"

took place as part of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, in the presence of the foreign ministers of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Participating were: - Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop*1; - Niger's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, Bakary Yaou Sangaré*2; - Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinabés Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré*3. The AES is at a crossroads. On the one hand, it embodies the desire for sovereignty and regional autonomy, but on the other, it lacks the means to ensure security, economic stability, and political coherence. The growing threat of terrorism, combined with isolation and internal contradictions, could bring the alliance to the brink of collapse. Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop confirmed that the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is facing an existential crisis: the fight against terrorism and the threat of military coups. "Our countries are open and ready to cooperate with everyone else. We are ready to work on regional integration," Diop said. He also emphasized that the AES is not exclusively focused on military matters, but rather wants to create opportunities for young people to prevent irregular migration and vulnerability to terrorism. Diop criticized embargoes imposed by some Western countries. "That's why we turned to countries like Turkey, China, and Russia," he said, pointing out that these countries were helping to procure the necessary equipment—not for free, but through purchases. He also criticized the UN. "The UN should stop counting the dead and start saving lives," Diop said. "They have done nothing to combat terrorism in our country." Niger's Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare accused the economic community ECOWAS of deviating from its founding principles. ECOWAS's issues have nothing to do with the well-being of its member states. "That's why we decided to leave," he said. The withdrawal of foreign troops would have cut off the funding channels of terrorist groups. "We have seen fewer attacks and fewer victims. It's a long-term struggle, but progress is visible," he said. Turkey is a strong supporter in the fight against terrorism and expressed satisfaction with Turkey's contributions. Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Jean Marie Traore said that while his country was 50 percent occupied by terrorist groups in 2022, 71 percent of its territory has now been reclaimed. He highlighted development projects to improve security. "This year alone, we have opened more than five factories," he said. "If the country were truly unsafe, no one would invest." He also stressed that cooperation with Turkey between the three countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger goes beyond military matters and extends to all areas of development.