The top police officials from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger convened in Ouagadougou on Thursday to bolster security collaboration within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The gathering aimed to devise a unified approach to tackle the region’s pressing security challenges.

The three-day meeting, which included security experts from each nation, focused on synchronizing policing frameworks, enhancing information-sharing systems and strengthening operational readiness. Discussions also centered on deepening judicial investigations, public order maintenance and the integration of advanced technological and forensic tools.

At the opening session, Inspector General Thierry Dofizouho Tuina, head of Burkina Faso‘s national police, emphasized that the forces must serve as proactive instruments in building the AES. He noted that this gathering followed up on earlier commitments made during the initial police chiefs’ summit in Bamako in January 2025 and the subsequent security ministers’ meeting on July 1.

Another key topic was the facilitation of movement within the confederal zone. Police leaders agreed to streamline border controls, boost intelligence sharing and crack down on illegal roadblock extortions and bureaucratic obstructions that hinder trade and travel.

Controller General Youssouf Koné, Mali‘s national police chief, stressed that pooling resources is vital to meet public security expectations and foster the AES‘s growth. Meanwhile, Commissioner General Assahaba Ebankawal of Niger highlighted how closer cooperation would better counter surging terrorist attacks, transnational crime and other shared threats.

The summit concluded with plans to finalize actionable recommendations that will strengthen police collaboration across the AES.