Assimi Goita visits his colleagues at AES (What they said to each other)

Mali's transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, undertook a mini-tour of the AES countries yesterday, Thursday, November 5th. The strongman of Bamako first landed his plane at Hamani Diori International Airport in Niamey.

He was welcomed by his Nigerien counterpart Abdourahmane Tiani, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine and members of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), among others.

To continue together the "consolidation of the Confederation of Sahel States"

After the military honors, the two leaders held a private meeting before proceeding to the presidential palace. Discussions continued in a working session with members of both delegations, covering several topics of common interest, including the security situation in the Confederation of Sahel States and the fight against terrorism.

These exchanges allowed for an in-depth examination of the challenges facing ESA countries, but also the notable progress made in the areas of defense and security, diplomacy and development.

The two heads of state reiterated their commitment to "continue consolidating the Confederation of Sahel States." They particularly welcomed the actions of the Confederation's Unified Force, which have led to successes in the fight against terrorism.

To eradicate terrorism in all its forms within the confederation

Tiani and his host also paid tribute to the memory of the military and civilian martyrs and expressed their wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded.

They welcomed the coordination of diplomatic action which has strengthened the Confederation's position as a sub-regional, regional and international entity.

The two leaders also reviewed the socio-economic situation in the confederation. They welcomed the ongoing actions to coordinate policies and programs that take into account the concerns of the population regarding the free movement of people and goods, the development of transport infrastructure, agro-industrial development, and the exploitation of energy and mineral resources.

They "reaffirmed their firm determination to eradicate terrorism in the confederate space, in all its forms, and condemned the vain attempts to destabilize the States of the Confederation by mercenaries and their state sponsors," the joint communiqué concluding the visit stated.

The fight against terrorism within the AES region, African integration at the heart of discussions with Ibrahim Traoré

After Niamey, Assimi Goïta headed to Ouagadougou where he was greeted upon arrival by his Burkinabé counterpart, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Members of the government, including Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, and other civil and military authorities were also present to welcome the Malian leader. Captain Traoré and his guest held a private meeting in the airport's VIP lounge to discuss development, the fight against terrorism within the African, European and Southern African (AES) region, African integration, and current international affairs.