Burkina Faso and Algeria Strengthen Ties in Fight Against Terrorism

Oluwasegun SanusiDecember 14, 20241 Mins read707

Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has held discussions with Algeria’s outgoing Ambassador, Selma Mansouri, as she concludes her diplomatic mission. Mansouri reaffirmed Algeria’s determination to assist Burkina Faso in addressing the security threats posed by terrorist groups and rebel movements.

The diplomat emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperations across multiple sectors, including education, the economy, humanitarian aid, and military collaboration. The meeting shows Algiers’ commitment to support Ouagadougou in combating terrorism and promoting stability in the Sahel region.

In a press release issued by the Algerian embassy and shared by media outlets in both nations, Mansouri expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations between Algeria and Burkina Faso, noting that the two countries must work to strengthen it further.

The two nations also agreed to explore avenues for deeper partnerships in academic exchanges, socio-economic development, and humanitarian initiatives.

Speaking about the partnership, Mansouri described Algeria and Burkina Faso as “two brotherly countries that share a common history and a common future.” She acknowledged the challenges Burkina Faso and the Sahel is facing and reaffirmed Algeria’s readiness to support its national and regional stability efforts.

The meeting comes at a time when Burkina Faso is grappling with a surge in terrorist activity, a challenge shared with neighbouring Mali and Niger. Under Traoré’s leadership since a September 2022 coup, Ouagadougou has prioritised regional collaboration, joining Mali and Niger in forming the “Alliance of Sahel States” in July 2024.

The alliance aims to strengthen mutual defence mechanisms and address the insecurity that plagues the region. Recall their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS in January 2024 highlighted their frustrations about foreign interference and the regional bloc’s failure to effectively combat terrorism. Against this backdrop, Algeria’s support is seen as a critical component of Burkina Faso’s strategy to stabilise the region.

Mansouri, who recently assumed the role of Secretary of State to Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been instrumental in fostering Algeria’s relationships in the Sahel. Her tenure as ambassador to Burkina Faso since June 2024, and her previous diplomatic missions in Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad, shows her deep engagement with regional issues.

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