CSS Foreign Ministers to Visit Moscow for First CSS-Russia Consultations

The foreign ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, are set to visit Moscow for the first-ever CSS-Russia consultations. This landmark meeting, scheduled for April 3-4, comes at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and represents a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties between the two parties.

Discussions will center on deepening political, economic, and security cooperation, as both CSS and Russia seek to build a pragmatic and mutually beneficial partnership. The visit aligns with the roadmap set for CSS’s first year under Mali’s presidency, reinforcing the growing alliance between the Sahel bloc and Russia amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

The upcoming meeting builds on recent high-level engagements between the CSS and Russia. On March 4, 2025, Mali’s transitional leader, General Assimi Goïta, met with a Russian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Defense Younous-Bek Evkurov. The discussions focused on enhancing military and strategic cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism efforts.

In December 2024, Fousseynou Ouattara, Vice President of the Defence and Security Commission of Mali’s Transitional Council, highlighted the tangible benefits of the military partnership between Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Speaking to Sputnik Africa, Ouattara noted that Russian support had strengthened the military capabilities of these nations in their fight against terrorism.

The CSS-Russia consultations signal a broader realignment of diplomatic and security partnerships in the Sahel region. With the CSS countries distancing themselves from traditional Western alliances, particularly following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Russia has emerged as a key strategic partner.

Mali, under Goïta, has also reaffirmed its commitment to regional security collaboration, particularly with Senegal, despite recent political shifts. The country has pledged continued military cooperation with its West African neighbor, focusing on counterterrorism and cross-border crime.

Implications for Regional Stability

The deepening ties between CSS and Russia are expected to have significant implications for regional security and economic development. Analysts suggest that increased Russian involvement in the Sahel could reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape, with potential impacts on counterterrorism strategies, resource management, and governance.

As the CSS foreign ministers embark on their Moscow visit, the outcome of their discussions will be closely watched by international observers. The evolving partnership between the Sahel bloc and Russia could redefine security and economic cooperation in the region, offering new opportunities and challenges for the countries involved.