Faith Nyasuguta
In a significant move to expand its influence in West Africa, Russia has agreed to provide arms and military training to the newly established joint military force made up of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This deal was formalized during high-level talks in Moscow this week, between the foreign ministers of the three nations and Russian officials.
According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Moscow will deploy its military instructors to assist in the development and arming of the newly formed force. This agreement highlights Russia’s growing military footprint in the Sahel, a region plagued by instability due to military coups and escalating Islamist insurgencies. Russia’s involvement has gained momentum following the presence of the private military group Wagner in the region, particularly in Mali, where they arrived in 2021.
During the Moscow visit, the three ministers from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso emphasized their desire to deepen ties with Russia, following a decisive break with France and its Western allies. The ministers expressed their commitment to forging a new partnership with Russia that prioritizes political dialogue, defense cooperation, and economic development.
Russia’s growing involvement in the Sahel region has been driven by the political changes in these countries. The revolutionary leaders in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, who took power through coups between 2020 and 2023, have increasingly sought military and diplomatic support from Russia. The three countries expelled French forces, withdrew from the West African bloc ECOWAS, and initiated stronger cooperation with Moscow, aiming to bolster their internal security and counter the violent insurgency in the region.
Lavrov confirmed that Moscow will not only provide military training but also supply specific weapons and machinery to strengthen the regional force. The collaboration between Russia and the Sahel states marks a shift in alliances, as these nations aim to create a more robust response to jihadist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, which have plagued the region for years.
The formalization of the defense agreements comes as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger face severe challenges in controlling the spread of jihadist violence, with fatalities across the three countries reaching a record 7,600 in the first half of 2024, a 190% increase compared to 2021.
Additionally, Russia’s influence extends beyond the military. Moscow is also partnering with the Sahel states on energy and mining projects, further solidifying its role in the region’s economic future. A regional investment bank established by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) in March 2024 aims to foster financing and partnerships with Russia, bolstering the nations’ development strategies.
The recent talks reflect a clear pivot in the region’s alliances, as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso position themselves to redefine their relationships with global powers. Moscow’s growing role in the Sahel represents a shift away from traditional Western allies, especially France, and emphasizes Russia’s intent to establish itself as a dominant power in Africa.
With jihadist violence continuing to spread and displace millions in the region, the cooperation between Russia and the Sahel states is seen by many as a necessary step toward achieving stability. However, it also raises concerns about the long-term implications of Russia’s increasing involvement in Africa, particularly in light of its role in other conflict zones such as Syria and Ukraine.
This deal marks the latest development as African countries seek to strengthen their security and economic ties outside traditional alliances., As the situation unfolds, it’s unclear how this new military and diplomatic alliance will impact security in the Sahel and beyond.
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