The African nations of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have taken an important step in transforming their Alliance of Sahel States (AES) into a full-fledged confederation. The first inaugural session of the confederal parliament was held in Niamey, Niger, and will carry on its work until August 29.
The ceremony was presided over by Ousmane Bougouma, president of the transitional Legislative Assembly of Burkina Faso. It officially marked the entry into office of the 45 confederal deputies representing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with 15 representatives elected per country.
Addressing the ceremony, Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré who holds the rotating presidency of the AES, called on the members of parliament to place the general interest of the people at the heart of their work. He emphasized the importance of preserving unity, developing a common vision, and promoting solidarity among the three countries. Traoré also called on the confederal parliament to formulate proposals that promote integrated socio-economic development and improve the living conditions of the populations across the Sahel.
