Russia Backs Joint CSS Military Force, Foreign Minister Hails “Africa’s Second Awakening”

Russia has pledged to assist in forming a joint CSS military force, offering consultations, weaponry, and military instructors. In a press conference, the foreign ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) and Russia provided a striking overview of their growing cooperation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the creation of the CSS as “Africa’s second awakening,” emphasising Moscow’s commitment to supporting a new African security framework.

Lavrov also announced the institutionalisation of a quadripartite Russia-CSS format, with annual meetings. One notable statistic was highlighted: trade between Russia and the CSS has increased tenfold in just one year.

Lavrov accused Western powers of indirectly supporting “terrorists” in the Sahel through Kyiv, while the CSS expressed backing for Russian initiatives at the United Nations.

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop echoed these sentiments, labelling Ukraine a “terrorist state” and accusing Kyiv of supporting Sahelian militant groups.

He condemned the actions of “foreign state sponsors and regional actors” undermining the security of the Sahel. He announced the formation of a joint CSS armed force to counter these threats.

Addressing concerns over the future linguistic landscape of the CSS following its withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Diop assured that there was “no issue,” as the confederation would promote its national languages. He praised the “open strategic partnership” with Russia and expressed the CSS’s desire to strengthen ties with the BRICS bloc.

Nigerien Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangaré announced the imminent opening of a Russian embassy in Niger, emphasising that Russia was “the first country to stand by our side” following the rise of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) to power.

Meanwhile, Burkinabè Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré highlighted the “tangible results” of consultations, noting that Russia is becoming a key destination for the private sector within the CSS and vice versa.

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