Ouagadougou: The first president of the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States (CN-CES), Bassolma Bazi©, pledged on Monday to work in the footsteps of his Pan-Africanist predecessors such as Modibo Keta, Thomas Sankara, and Hamani Diori.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Bassolma Bazi© emphasized the continuation of the ideals of African predecessors through the Confederation of Sahel States (CES). He paid tribute to historical figures such as Soundiata Keta and Modibo Keta of Mali, Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly and Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso, and Hamani Diori and Sarraounia Mangou of Niger.
Bazi©, speaking on January 13, 2025, in Ouagadougou during his inauguration as president of the CN-CES, also vowed to serve with patriotism and dedication to Burkina Faso and its neighboring countries, Mali and Niger. This comes in the backdrop of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS, which they perceived as compromised against African interests, to establish the Confederation of Sahel States on July 6, 2024, in Niamey.
Acknowledging the determination of the presidents of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in their decision to leave ECOWAS, Bazi©, a former minister in charge of the Civil Service, reiterated his commitment to achieving the objectives behind the formation of the CES through the National Commission.
"This Commission, envisioned as a pillar of the ETUC, embodies a vision of unity, progress, and integration, in accordance with the principles of the Treaty of Confederation," Bazi© stated, expressing reliance on the support of the Burkinabe population for the success of his mission.
The National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States holds responsibilities including overseeing the implementation of decisions made by the Confederation, and engaging in discussions on the development and future of the Union.