CSS Must Inspire Unity of All Africa – Captain Traoré

Oluwasegun SanusiMarch 4, 20251 Mins read1.2k

President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso has emphasised that the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) members, now Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), must make their revolution an example for the entire African continent. Traore made these remarks during the CSS flag-raising ceremony in Burkina Faso.

He said the confederation was born out of great struggle and expressed hope that Africa would unite through the CSS revolution.

The AES was born in blood and sweat and will continue its journey for the happiness of the Sahelian peoples, Traore noted. I hope that each person, through their daily actions, ensures that the revolution we have begun is the right and best one, capable of inspiring all of Africa to unite.

It will be recalled that in his 2025 New Year address, Traoré reaffirmed that the alliance is not exclusive to its founding members but is open to all African nations and individuals committed to the growth and development of the African continent.

The AES is more than an alliance; it is a vision for a strong, independent Africa,”he said.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), effective from January 29, 2024.

In a statement, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to regional solidarity and the welfare of citizens within the bloc, stating it will “keep its doors open” to the three countries during this transition period. The organisation emphasised the importance of avoiding disruptions to the lives of citizens and businesses in the region.

However, the CSS introduced its regional passport effective January 29, 2025. Citizens of AES member states can continue using ECOWAS passports until expiration, while new AES passports will be issued as replacements. This transition aims to streamline the movement of people and goods within the AES framework.

CSS also announced plans to establish a Regional Investment Bank. This decision was taken during a ministerial meeting of the CSS held in Bamako on January 16, 2025. Other key decisions from the session include launching transformative infrastructure projects across member states.

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