Moscow, Russia – The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have arrived in Moscow for a two-day diplomatic visit aimed at deepening their security and defense cooperation with Russia.
The visit marks a significant step in the growing alliance between the three Sahel nations and Moscow, as they seek to bolster their military capabilities amid ongoing security challenges in the region.
During their discussions, Russia agreed to provide military equipment and training to a newly formed joint force comprising the three countries. This move comes as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—who recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) following their exits from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)—seek alternative security partnerships to combat insurgencies and external threats.
The highlight of the visit was the signing of a joint defense agreement, further solidifying military cooperation between Russia and the three West African nations. The agreement is expected to enhance intelligence sharing, military training programs, and arms deliveries, positioning Russia as a key security partner for the Sahel region.
In recent years, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have distanced themselves from Western allies, particularly France, as they reassess their security strategies. The growing partnership with Russia reflects a broader geopolitical shift, with Moscow expanding its influence in Africa through military cooperation, infrastructure projects, and resource agreements.
The visit underscores the evolving dynamics of international alliances in West Africa, as the three nations seek to assert greater sovereignty over their security affairs. While the details of the military support package remain undisclosed, officials from both sides have expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the partnership.
As the security landscape in the Sahel continues to evolve, the deepening military cooperation between Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States is expected to have significant regional and international implications.
