A new bilateral initiative targeting terrorism and transnational crime has been launched by Burkina Faso and Senegal in response to West Africa’s escalating insecurity. The partnership reflects a growing consensus among Sahelian nations that regional threats demand collective, coordinated action.
A United Front Against Shared Threats
Although Burkina Faso and Senegal do not share a border, their security concerns are closely linked. Both nations face increasing threats from violent extremism, arms trafficking, and cross-border insurgencies, issues exacerbated by state fragility and the broader instability engulfing the Sahel region.
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In Ouagadougou, Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, unveiled a new agreement focused on enhancing intelligence cooperation and conducting joint operations to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.
According to a joint communiqué, the agreement commits both countries to expanded cooperation in intelligence-sharing, coordinated military action, and disrupting the financing and logistics of armed groups. The pact highlights the urgency of African-led responses to terrorism and organised crime while calling on international partners to support locally driven efforts.
Crucially, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to sovereignty and self-determination. “Both parties also welcomed the convergence of views between Their Excellencies Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, and Mr Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of Senegal, on respecting state sovereignty and the control of their destinies without foreign interference,” the statement noted.
A Shift Toward Regional Ownership
This initiative marks part of a broader shift in West Africa’s security landscape. Frustrated by the shortcomings of external interventions and legacy alliances, many states in the region are turning towards self-reliance. Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a joint military force of 5,000 troops expected to become operational in the near future.
Senegal’s pursuit of bilateral and regional security mechanisms underscores this changing dynamic, where collaboration among African nations is increasingly viewed as the foundation of long-term peace and stability.
Despite the momentum, implementation will present considerable challenges. Persistent insecurity in the Sahel stems from entrenched structural problems, political instability, economic hardship, and porous borders, which complicate coordination and hinder resource mobilisation.
Effective cooperation will require sustained trust, robust intelligence-sharing frameworks, and sufficient logistical and financial resources. In parallel, both countries must invest in institutional capacity, governance reforms, and community-based resilience to address the root drivers of violence.
The Burkina Faso–Senegal partnership signals a broader transformation in West Africa’s approach to security, one anchored in sovereignty, solidarity, and strategic autonomy. By taking ownership of their collective security challenges, these nations are helping to lay the foundation for a more stable and integrated Sahel.
As regional alliances evolve and become operational, the emphasis must remain on inclusive, sustainable strategies that strengthen local institutions and empower communities. With continued commitment and regional cooperation, initiatives like this bilateral accord could chart a path toward lasting peace and development across the region.
