Tripartite: The 14th edition postponed in Guinea, an urgent call for support from the authorities

The Tripartite Week, a sub-regional cooperation initiative between Senegal, Guinea and Mali, will experience a slight delay. Initially scheduled for March 26 to April 2, the 14th edition will finally be held from April 23 to 30 in Guinea, at the request of the Guinean authorities. The announcement was made this Thursday afternoon by the Executive Office of the Tripartite (BET) of Kédougou, at a press conference.

In front of the press, Ousmane Bâ, president of the Executive Office of the Tripartite (BET) of Kédougou, explained the reasons for this postponement. “The Guinean Prime Minister wished to be present to personally chair the activities. The three countries examined the request and validated it,” he informed. Ousmane Bâ wanted to reassure that nothing changes in the content, that Guinea remains the host country and that all planned activities are maintained.

Nearly fifty years old, the Tripartite brings together the border departments of Kédougou (Senegal), Kéniéba (Mali) and Maali (Guinea Conakry). It aims to strengthen links between populations through discussions on common issues. For this edition, several strategic issues will be at the heart of the discussions.
“The central theme concerns cross-border security and social cohesion. Mali will address health and security, Senegal the environment and the sub-regional economy, and Guinea illegal immigration and integration,” explained Ousmane Bâ. Cultural and sporting activities will also punctuate this week of exchanges between the three countries.

Urgent appeal to the State and communities

Beyond the postponement, Tripartite officials took the opportunity to launch a strong appeal to the Senegalese authorities. “We ask our authorities to support us. The presence of members of the government would give more character to this meeting,” argued Ousmane Bâ, referring to the need for more visible institutional support.
He reassured that all arrangements have been made. “The Guinean administrative authorities have contacted their counterparts in Senegal and Mali, and technical partners are already supporting the event,” he revealed.
Speaking in turn, the secretary general of the BET of Kédougou, Hamady Diallo, highlighted the structural difficulties facing this initiative. “We are in the 14th edition in almost fifty years, which reflects a certain lethargy linked to the lack of resources. For the Kédougou region alone, a delegation of 150 people is planned, including 25 officials. This requires significant resources,” he indicated.

Subregional integration and key issues

According to Hamady Diallo, the Tripartite constitutes a strategic tool at the service of public policies. “The themes addressed, such as cross-border security, the environment or immigration, are major concerns for our States,” he added.
In this context, Hamady Diallo launched a solemn appeal to the highest authorities. “We call on the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister as well as the ministers concerned to be fully involved in this event of capital importance” he pleaded, inviting local authorities to play a more active role. “It is time to include the Tripartite in local budgets. We cannot continue to start from scratch every year to mobilize resources,” he insisted.
Between security, environmental and cultural issues, the Tripartite stands out as a privileged framework for cooperation between border peoples. But for its initiators, its sustainability now depends on a more structured commitment from States and communities. “The Tripartite is an essential lever for sub-regional integration. She deserves lasting support,” concluded Hamady Diallo.