Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – This Monday, June 8, 2026, marked the commencement of a pivotal three-day training workshop in Ouagadougou, spearheaded by the National Centre for Strategic Studies (CNES). The intensive program, designed for senior staff and experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focuses on critical strategic intelligence and geopolitical foresight. The sessions are being held at the Permanent Secretariat of the African Peer Review Mechanism (SP-MAEP), located in the Ouaga 2000 district.

The primary objective of this significant gathering is to bolster the capabilities of approximately thirty Ministry of Foreign Affairs professionals, including seasoned ambassadors and technical advisors. In an era of rapid global shifts, the organizers aim to equip participants with cutting-edge tools to proactively anticipate complex crises and effectively guide national policy decisions.

Over the course of three days, from Monday, June 8, to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, participants will delve into diverse subjects such as strategic watch, in-depth geopolitical analysis, and comprehensive risk assessment. The curriculum thoughtfully blends theoretical instruction with practical exercises, notably including the drafting of operational summary notes to hone their analytical skills.

Brigadier General Barthélémy Aimé Simporé, Director General of CNES, emphasized that this initiative addresses a fundamental governance imperative. He articulated the pressing challenges of our time, stating, « Power rivalries are undergoing reconfigurations, security crises are escalating in complexity, and strategic uncertainties have firmly established themselves as a constant feature of the international landscape ».

General Simporé further clarified that the nation’s objective extends beyond merely reacting to crises; it now encompasses developing a robust predictive capability for Burkina Faso’s future.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its Director of Cabinet, Dieudonné Désiré Sougouri, lauded the collaborative partnership with CNES. He underscored the continuous need for the Ministry’s Strategic Analysis Bureau to adapt its methodologies to contemporary realities, especially given the dynamic nature of Sahel current affairs.

Mr. Sougouri highlighted the critical importance of this skill enhancement for the public administration, noting, « Classical fundamentals are increasingly being challenged, and our experts must consistently upgrade their expertise. We must train professionals who are capable of comprehending the intricate international geopolitical environment ».

This inaugural training for the service is anticipated to lead to a more effective identification of emerging risks and the generation of more direct, actionable analyses for national authorities. Organizers confirmed that additional sessions of this nature are slated for the future, ensuring the sustained development of these vital capacities.

The workshop represents a significant stride in modernizing Burkina Faso’s national diplomatic efforts, aligning with the strategic directives of the country’s leadership. According to participating stakeholders, the exchange of experiences with experts from defense and higher education sectors will be instrumental in guaranteeing the enduring success of this crucial initiative.