Sahel States Confederation foreign ministers strengthen diplomatic coordination
via Lefaso.net3 min read
Foreign ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States AES met in Bamako on June 20, 2026, to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening joint diplomatic action among the three member states. The meeting, presided over by Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, included Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Diop, and Niger's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré. Discussions focused on progress in diplomacy and defining new directions to enhance the Confederation's international presence and influence. The ministers adopted measures to consolidate diplomatic coordination, agreeing to reinforce consultation mechanisms to present common positions on regional and international issues. They also validated actions to diversify and deepen AES's international partnerships. The foreign ministers praised the dialogue framework within the Confederation for harmonizing positions on common interests and encouraged diplomatic and consular missions of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to strengthen on-the-ground coordination. They continued discussions on establishing a confederal diplomatic map, instructing senior officials to continue technical work. Preparations for the 81st ordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026 in New York were also addressed, with ministers agreeing to maintain close synergy to defend common interests. They highlighted the ratification and entry into force of several confederal legal in
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