On Thursday, Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, held a meeting with Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires in Ouagadougou. The discussion followed President Tinubu’s remarks about deteriorating security in the Sahel region. Mali’s and Niger’s chargés d’affaires also participated, highlighting a united stance among the three AES member states.

Tinubu’s statements spark diplomatic exchange

During a July 30 gathering with Nigerian traditional leaders, President Tinubu suggested that Nigeria’s security challenges were exacerbated by instability in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He claimed that some armed groups operating in Nigeria originate from these neighboring countries. This prompted Burkina Faso to formally convey its position to Nigerian authorities through diplomatic channels.

During the meeting, Minister Traoré argued that Tinubu’s analysis overlooked years of efforts by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s defense forces and local communities in combating armed groups. He noted that while Nigeria has long fought Boko Haram, the AES states have refrained from publicly linking Abuja to the Sahel’s terror threat, despite documented ties between regional armed factions. He emphasized that military operations in the three countries also enhance West African security by weakening jihadist capabilities.

Ouagadougou urged Nigerian officials to prioritize statements that foster solidarity among states facing shared security threats. Burkina Faso stressed that cooperation remains vital in combating terrorist organizations across West Africa. Following the discussion, Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires acknowledged the message from Burkinabè authorities and committed to relaying it to Abuja, according to Burkina Faso’s Foreign Ministry.