The National Assembly is currently examining draft law no. 20/2025 authorizing the ratification of the Military and Technical Cooperation Agreement between Senegal and Guinea, signed on June 19, 2021, in Accra, Ghana. Addressing the members of parliament, the Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad, Cheikh Niang, stated that this text constitutes a "strategic instrument" in the face of the evolving security situation in the sub-region.

In committee, the minister situated the agreement within an environment marked by rising terrorist threats, cross-border crime, and the fragility of border areas. Referring to the reported jihadist attacks on the Malian border, he spoke of "warning signs" necessitating the strengthening of legal and operational mechanisms. He emphasized that no single state can effectively address these challenges alone, stressing that security cooperation is no longer merely a diplomatic option, but a strategic imperative.

A broad framework for stabilizing borders

The agreement covers several key areas, including military personnel training, counterterrorism, the suppression of trafficking, joint border security, and the exchange and protection of military intelligence. Members of Parliament noted that this instrument comes after Guinea's unilateral border closure in 2020, an event that severely disrupted economic and social exchanges. On this point, Cheikh Niang clarified that the agreement goes beyond purely military considerations, also aiming to strengthen the historical, human, and economic ties between the two countries, regardless of political circumstances.

When questioned about the clause allowing for the future addition of other areas of cooperation, the minister reassured the parliamentarians. He explained that this is a common practice for integrating unforeseen situations, while specifying that the requirement of mutual consent guarantees oversight and relevance.

Concrete actions already underway

Keen to reassure the public about the effectiveness of the agreement, the minister highlighted measures already in operation. He specifically mentioned the organization of joint patrols around the ECOWAS border post at Boundou Fourdou and technical assistance for operationalizing surveillance systems. The minister also spoke of strengthening the "Eastern Pivot," as part of a strategy of prevention and deterrence against threats emanating from unstable areas of the sub-region.

The bill, examined in plenary session after being unanimously adopted in committee, paves the way for the ratification of an agreement presented as a central link in Senegal's strategy for security and regional integration.