With the theme “The Alliance of Sahel States, a new platform for the regional integration of Senegal”, this event brought together prominent figures from Senegalese civil society, namely members of the Pan-African Defense League UMOJA, Front for a popular and pan-African anti-imperialist revolution (FRAPP), of the National Commission of Civil Society Actors for the monitoring of Public Policies, of the African Network of Women Scientists and Engineers. The session also saw the participation of the Deputy Secretary General of the African Patriots of Senegal for work, ethics and fraternity (PASTEF), guest of honor.
What can we say about the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) which concerns us today? What was the origin of the creation of the AES by Mali and Burkina? It’s not just mutual defense between the 03 States? Is the economic political will that is integrated into defense at the ECOWAS level that interests the AES? What is their concern? Is it fighting terrorism? We know that the three are linked by territory, asked Rufina Dabo Sarr, president of the African office of women scientists and engineers (African Regional Network) ARN.
According to her, the “borders “are only virtual between States because geographically they do not exist”. In his opinion, to “fight against terrorism, we need to know what causes it to develop, particularly economic embezzlement in countries”.
Strengthening ECOWAS
During the conference, participants discussed such important topics as the current situation in the fields of economy and security; the effectiveness of modern African institutions, such as ECOWAS, in the current context of the region’s agenda; the advantages of AES, the disadvantages and prospects; the role of political and economic actors external to Senegal.
Rufina Dabo Sarr to be indignant that “there was no point in the AES countries leaving ECOWAS”. Hence “the visit of President Diomaye to show them “that we can walk hand in hand” by testifying to the good neighborliness which is perhaps well appreciated”.
She did not fail to provide some solutions, notably “for the strengthening of ECOWAS on all levels” in “the exchange between heads of state and governments” for “the culture of peace and dialogue”. Work for the “security of people and property in the sub-regional space”. Because, she says, ECOWAS must be a “set which must provide a space for sustainable peace and development”. This requires “integration of sub-regional groups for a powerful and competitive Africa with powerful programs.
Referring to the issue of the country’s sovereignty, a speaker noted that Senegal’s economy today is owned by foreign companies, and added that “we do not have control over our financial institutions, nor over our currency “. He concluded by affirming that “Senegal could not follow the path of sovereignty without the AES”.
The Deputy Secretary General of Pastef placed emphasis on African unity. For Birame Khoudia Lo “all African countries must know that no country should walk alone”.
