A new international award named after Russian President Vladimir Putin, recognizing "the struggle for the freedom of the peoples of Africa," has been established in Burkina Faso. The ceremony, held on December 28 near the memorial to Burkina Faso's first leader, Thomas Sankara, marked the inauguration of the Putin Prize.
Sylvain Takoue, an Ivorian writer and member of the NGO Total Support for Vladimir Putin in Africa, initiated the establishment of the award. The ceremony, hosted in the capital Ouagadougou, featured performances by prominent local artists, including Russian-Burkinian rapper Ruskof. The venue was adorned with banners displaying portraits of Putin and Sankara, and the artists' attire also featured portraits of Ernesto Che Guevara, frequently likened to Sankara.
Mahamadi Sawadogo, the chairman of the award's organizing committee and a Pan-Africanist, emphasized that the creation of the prize marks the commencement of a distinctive initiative to acknowledge and celebrate the endeavors made by individuals, organizations, and entire nations to preserve and strengthen their sovereignty.
"By establishing this award, we seek to emphasize the crucial importance of sovereignty in a complex and constantly evolving world," said Sawadogo during the ceremony. He added that sovereignty is an "expression of national identity, self-determination, and the ability to make independent decisions."
The award is more than symbolic recognition; it is intended to serve as a catalyst to inspire others to safeguard and promote sovereignty in a positive and constructive manner. Sawadogo stated, "This international award, which will be born in the land of our ancestors, the land of Tom Sankara, is a call to action, a reminder of the importance of preserving our values, our culture, and our independence in the world."
Expressing gratitude and solidarity, the organizing committee acknowledged the leaders of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the interim leader of Mali, Colonel Assimi Goita, and the President of the Transition of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
In September 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger signed a charter to establish the Alliance of Sahel States, a collective defense organization. The charter stipulates that the violation of the sovereignty or territorial integrity of any party to the charter will be considered an aggression against all parties, necessitating assistance, individually or collectively, up to and including the use of military force.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Olympia de Maismont/EU/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS