Foreign Powers Seeking to Push One CSS Member State to Betray the Others – Captain Traoré Warns
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso, recently shared concerns regarding external pressures on the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), an alliance formed in September 2023 comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Speaking in Ouagadougou during a ceremony where the CSS anthem was publicly performed, President Traoré alleged that foreign powers are attempting to destabilise the confederation by encouraging one member state to act against the others.
The CSS represents a strategic shift for its member states, moving away from traditional international partnerships. This alliance was established with a focus on enhancing regional security, asserting sovereignty over natural resources, and fostering development that directly benefits their populations. President Traoré indicated that this new orientation has generated unease among certain international actors. He stated, “We are approached every day by imperialists who want to force one of the three states to betray the others,” characterising these approaches as part of a broader effort to undermine the CSS’s unity.
A core objective of the CSS is to transform the Sahel into a secure zone where natural resources are effectively managed for the benefit of its citizens. “Our country is rich… And it is this wealth that is coveted,” President Traoré remarked, highlighting the region’s significant resource potential and the CSS’s intent to ensure equitable resource exploitation.
President Traoré also called upon citizens to support national and regional development initiatives, emphasising the importance of diligence and unity. He expressed confidence in the region’s capacity for rapid economic advancement, stating, “We can leave this situation of underdevelopment and very quickly become an emerging country. All we have to do is work.”
The public performance of the CSS anthem and the associated ceremony were symbolic steps aimed at fostering a shared confederal identity and reinforcing commitment to the alliance’s principles of autonomy and cooperation. President Traoré concluded by reaffirming the CSS’s dedication to building a strong and resilient regional entity.
The establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States marks a notable development in the region’s political landscape. Its trajectory and interactions with the broader international community will be key areas to observe as this new alliance consolidates its objectives.
