On Thursday, Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, held a meeting with Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires in Ouagadougou. The discussion also included representatives from Mali and Niger, reflecting a unified stance among the three AES member states. This gathering followed President Tinubu’s recent comments regarding the worsening security situation in several Sahel countries.

Tinubu’s remarks spark diplomatic exchange

During a July 30 meeting with Nigerian traditional leaders, President Tinubu suggested that the insecurity plaguing Nigeria was exacerbated by the situations in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He claimed that some armed groups operating in Nigeria originated from neighboring countries. This assertion prompted Burkina Faso to formally respond through diplomatic channels, clarifying its position on the matter.

During the meeting, Minister Traoré emphasized that Tinubu’s remarks failed to acknowledge the extensive efforts made by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in combating armed groups over the years. He highlighted the relentless work of defense and security forces as well as local communities across the three countries. Additionally, Traoré pointed out that while Nigeria has long battled Boko Haram, the AES states have refrained from publicly linking Abuja to the Sahel’s evolving terrorist threat, despite documented connections between certain armed organizations active in the region. He stressed that military operations conducted by the three countries also enhance regional security by curbing the operational capabilities of jihadist groups.

Ouagadougou called on Nigerian officials to prioritize statements that foster solidarity among states facing a shared security threat. Burkina Faso maintains that cooperation is vital in the fight against terrorist organizations operating in West Africa. Following the meeting, Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires acknowledged receipt of Burkina Faso’s message and committed to relaying it to the Nigerian government in Abuja, as confirmed by Burkina Faso’s Foreign Ministry.