New Initiative Aims to Unite Sahel Citizens for Sovereignty
He added that the CP-AES encourages anyone supporting the AES vision to join the movement. “We welcome individuals committed to the sovereignty of the Sahel states,” Nabaloum said. Nabaloum emphasised the initiative’s focus on inclusion and collaboration. The CP-AES aims to unite people around a shared goal of independence. Through this inclusive approach, the confederation seeks broad support for its mission.
Empowering Civil Societies in the Sahel Region
Speaking to Burkina24, Abdoulaye Nabaloum, the rapporteur of the CP-AES, emphasized that the confederation will involve civil societies and citizens in shaping the future of the Sahel states. “Previous efforts by African leaders for an African confederation failed due to lack of popular support,” Nabaloum noted. “The CP-AES seeks to correct this by directly engaging the people.”
Criticism of ECOWAS and a Shift Towards People-Focused Initiatives
Nabaloum criticized ECOWAS for failing to represent the people’s interests, leading to the creation of the CP-AES as a people-centered alternative. He stated that ECOWAS has not behaved like a true community of the people as it was intended to be. “Experience shows us that ECOWAS does not act like an organization for the people at all,” he said firmly. This failure prompted him to support forming the CP-AES to better serve and involve the populace directly. He believes CP-AES will address the needs and aspirations of the Sahel’s citizens more effectively than ECOWAS. “This confederation is an opportunity for us, the people, to support our nations.”
Collaboration with Governments for Effective Policy Implementation
The CP-AES plans to work closely with the governments of the Alliance of Sahel States to communicate important policies to the public and ensure that the governments implement them effectively. Nabaloum stressed the importance of government-citizen collaboration in achieving the confederation’s objectives.
Open Invitation to Join the Confederation
He added that the CP-AES invites anyone who shares the AES vision to join. “We welcome all who are committed to the sovereignty and independence of the Sahel states,” Nabaloum stated, highlighting the inclusive nature of the initiative.
Future Plans and Upcoming Events
Following the launch, the CP-AES intends to host educational programs and forums, including the first Summer University in Burkina Faso, bringing together over 200 youths from the Sahel states to engage in discussions about their future.
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