Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will embark on a friendship and working visit to Mali and Burkina Faso on Thursday, May 30, 2024. This visit is part of his mission to strengthen historical and fraternal ties within the West African sub-region.

According to a statement from the Senegalese presidency released on Wednesday, May 29, these visits aim to promote solidarity and multifaceted cooperation between the countries. President Faye will have the opportunity to discuss crucial issues with his counterparts, including regional security, economic cooperation, and joint initiatives for sustainable development.

This visit comes at a significant time, marked by the break between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and three Sahelian countries (Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso). The leaders of these nations, now under military regimes, announced their immediate withdrawal from the regional organization. Since then, ECOWAS has been making efforts to reintegrate them.

Since taking office last April, Bassirou Diomaye Faye has prioritized neighboring countries and ECOWAS members for his initial diplomatic trips. This strategy aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and promote close collaboration for the development and stability of the region.