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Saudi Arabia Backs Special Forces Training Programs in Burkina Faso

The Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Coalition alongside the Chief of Staff of Burkina Faso's Army. (Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition)
The Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Coalition alongside the Chief of Staff of Burkina Faso's Army. (Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition)
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Saudi Arabia Backs Special Forces Training Programs in Burkina Faso

The Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Coalition alongside the Chief of Staff of Burkina Faso's Army. (Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition)
The Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Coalition alongside the Chief of Staff of Burkina Faso's Army. (Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition)

Burkina Faso has welcomed a partnership with the Riyadh-based Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition to tackle the growing threat of al-Qaeda and ISIS in the Sahel.

The plan includes training its special forces to fight terrorism.

The announcement came after a five-day visit by the coalition’s Secretary-General, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, who met with Burkina Faso’s military leaders.

Burkina Faso is the second most affected country by terrorism in the last decade, after Afghanistan. Armed groups now control about 40% of the country, according to international estimates.

A delegation from the coalition met with Burkina Faso’s Chief of General Staff, Brig. Gen. Célestin Simporé, to discuss the “Sahel Program”—a strategy to fight terrorism in the region. The plan was introduced at a defense ministers’ meeting in Riyadh last February.

The program focuses on four areas: ideology, media, terrorism financing, and military operations. Brigadier General Simporé said the visit was important for implementing the plan and launching training programs.

He also praised the coalition’s efforts, especially Saudi Arabia’s support, in boosting security and counter-terrorism capabilities.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, Secretary-General of the coalition, stressed the importance of international cooperation to bring stability to the Sahel, which continues to suffer from terrorism.

The coalition said on X (formerly Twitter) that discussions focused on training Burkina Faso’s forces, with support from Saudi Arabia, as part of the Sahel Program.

Since 2015, Burkina Faso has faced increasing attacks from terrorist groups, with 40% of the country now under militant control. Despite military efforts, attacks have intensified, including a deadly raid in August that killed over 200 civilians in the north.

The military is working to regain control and strengthen partnerships to fight terrorism.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.