Faith Nyasuguta
The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are scheduled to visit Moscow on April 3 and 4, 2025, to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening diplomatic and military ties with Russia.
This visit marks the inaugural session of the “AES-Russia consultations,” a framework designed to deepen cooperation between Russia and the recently formed Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
The AES, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, was established following the countries’ withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2025. This move was a response to sanctions imposed by ECOWAS after military juntas seized power in these nations. The formation of the AES signifies a strategic shift towards self-reliance and the pursuit of partnerships beyond traditional Western alliances.
In recent years, these Sahel nations have expelled French and other Western military forces, opting instead to cultivate relationships with non-Western powers. Russia has emerged as a key partner, providing military equipment and security assistance.
Notably, Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, now operating under the name Africa Corps, have been assisting Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in combating jihadist insurgencies that have plagued the region for over a decade.
Beyond military cooperation, Russia has concluded defense agreements with these Sahelian states and supplied them with military equipment. Collaborations extend into energy and mining sectors, reflecting Moscow’s growing influence in West Africa.
The upcoming meetings in Moscow are expected to focus on establishing “strategic, pragmatic, dynamic, and supportive” cooperation across various areas of mutual interest. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov extended the invitation, underscoring Russia’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the Sahel region.
This diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges. The Sahel region has been battling a jihadist insurgency that began in Mali over 13 years ago and has since spread across national borders. Armed groups affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda have been responsible for significant loss of life and displacement of populations.
The shift towards Russian partnership is indicative of a broader geopolitical realignment. By distancing themselves from Western alliances and seeking support from Russia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger aim to address their security concerns while asserting greater autonomy in international affairs. This realignment has implications not only for the Sahel region but also for the broader dynamics of international relations in Africa.
RELATED:
