New york: Burkinabe Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo on Saturday urged the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) diaspora in the United States to remain mobilized and support the fight waged by the leaders of Burkina, Mali, and Niger for the dignity and sovereignty of their peoples.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Ouedraogo expressed that the mobilization and enthusiasm of the diaspora are crucial in combating injustice and imperialism. Speaking to a packed room of nationals from several American states, he noted that "three valiant sons of the Sahel have been able to take up the torch of the fight for freedom and justice," emphasizing the historical significance of this movement for the future generations of the Sahel.
Ouedraogo highlighted the importance of Sahelian youth standing firm and vigilant against the exploitation of the region's resources. He called on the diaspora to serve as "ambassadors of the Confederation," playing a vital role in supporting the movement's objectives. He also addressed the challenges posed by terrorism, describing it as an "orchestrated and remote-controlled adversity" aimed at hindering the region's liberation efforts.
His counterparts from Mali, Abdoulaye Maga, and from Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the need for unity, solidarity, and unwavering support from communities abroad. Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maga stressed the dangers of division and the power of unity in overcoming imperialism. He underscored that the Confederation is a precursor to a future Federation with a unified citizenship.
Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine urged the diaspora to back the strategic choices of member states, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of the Sahel. He called for support of the AES leaders' sovereign decisions, stressing the importance of each member of the diaspora in the global advocacy of their cause.
Moustapha Dioum, representing the AES elders in the United States, praised the participation of the three Prime Ministers in the UN session as a significant achievement. He described the unified voice of the AES as "powerful, sovereign and courageous," marking a major step forward in the Confederation's development and serving as a warning to the "predatory powers of the Sahel."