Summary:

On Monday, 1 July 2024, Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nabil Ammar, conducted a visit to Burkina Faso to attend the eighth session of the Tunisian-Burkinabe Joint Committee held in Ouagadougou.

Joined by a delegation including the president of Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), Nabil Ammar and his Burkinabe counterpart signed eight agreements concerning investment, tourism, and the development of various industries.

[mepr-show if=”loggedout”] Please login or purchase an InBrief membership to view the rest of this report [/mepr-show] [mepr-show if=”loggedin”]

Ammar also met the Burkinabe president and the head of the Transitional Legislative Assembly – the body currently functioning as the country’s Parliament – with whom he discussed cooperation to tackle illegal migration. Ammar reiterated the importance of respecting national sovereignty and rejected exterior interference in domestic affairs.

Outlook: 

Tunisia is looking to deepen its ties with African states by exploiting the expertise of various Tunisian companies and its position as a hub between Africa and Europe.

In addition to economic cooperation, Tunisian diplomats have stressed shared challenges to foster cooperation in migration policies and counterterrorism.

The visit to Burkina Faso also serves to reassure African countries that legal migrants are welcome in Tunisia especially after the diplomatic crisis that resulted from statements of Tunisian President in February 2023 which echoed elements of the “Great Replacement” theory and were poorly received by many.

The meeting with Burkinabe President could raise more concerns among Westerns leaders as it may further reinforce concerns about Tunisia’s alignment with the BRICS nations, including Russia and China, both of which Burkina Faso has favored in recent years.

[/mepr-show]

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.