The Burkinabe government has replaced the ECOWAS flag with that of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), further emphasizing its commitment to the alliance.
An official ceremony was held today in the capital, Ouagadougou, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the country’s withdrawal from the regional bloc.
Speaking at the event, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean Marie Traoré, representing his counterparts from Mali and Niger, reaffirmed the shared commitment of the three AES member states to prioritize the interests of the Sahelian population. He clarified that the departure from ECOWAS does not signify a rejection of their identity as part of West Africa.
Earlier this week, representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger held a high-level meeting to deliberate on future relations with ECOWAS. Abdoulaye Diop, Mali’s foreign minister and spokesperson for the delegation, revealed that proposals have been submitted for approval by the AES heads of state.
Additionally, the AES member states announced the launch of a common passport, set to roll out on January 29.