The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have convened in Moscow for a crucial two-day visit. This signals a growing shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Sahel region. The primary objective of this summit, as reported by Burkina 24, is to solidify and expand political, economic, and security cooperation with Russia.
This move comes after the three nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2024, a strategic pact aimed at fostering collective security and economic prosperity. This alliance emerged following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the cessation of cooperation with France, their former colonial power.
A New Dawn for Regional Sovereignty
Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, speaking from Moscow, further articulated the core goals of the consultations. “We are here to explore how to define partnership relations… Starting with peace and security to establish the sovereignty of our space and considering geopolitical and development issues,” Diop said.
His words highlight the AES’s determination to forge a new path, one that prioritises regional autonomy and addresses the pressing challenges facing the Sahel.
The alliance’s pivot towards Russia reflects a broader trend of shifting allegiances in Africa, where Russia has been actively expanding its influence in recent years. This summit serves as a platform to formalise and deepen these burgeoning ties.
Russia’s Support for Counterterrorism and Development
Tatiana Dovgalenko, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Africa Partnership Department, previously highlighted Russia’s commitment to supporting the AES. Dovgalenko stated that Russia is prepared to assist the alliance in counterterrorism efforts, strengthen national armed forces, and promote socio-economic development.
Dovgalenko stated in a prior address that Russia recognises the efforts of the AES countries in their fight against terrorism and commits to supporting them in this endeavour.
“We are also focused on aiding their efforts in building robust national armed forces and fostering sustainable socio-economic growth.”
The AES nations also view this support as crucial as they grapple with persistent security threats and economic instability. The partnership with Russia offers a potential avenue for addressing these challenges and bolstering their regional standing.
Implications for the Region and Beyond
The Moscow summit further marks a pivotal moment in the evolving dynamics of the Sahel region. Consequently, the deepening ties between the Sahel Alliance and Russia are likely to have significant implications for regional security, economic development, and geopolitical alignments.
