Sahel bloc ministers visit Moscow to strengthen ties with Russia

|Published 1:45 PM ET, Thursday April 03, 2025|

​On April 3, 2025, the foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger convened in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to enhance military and security cooperation between their nations and Russia. This meeting marks the inaugural session of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)-Russia consultations, following an invitation from Lavrov. ​

During the discussions, Lavrov expressed Russia’s commitment to bolstering the military capabilities of the Sahel countries by providing training, equipment, and advisory support. He emphasized Russia’s readiness to assist in forming a joint military force among the three nations, highlighting the presence of numerous Russian military instructors already operating in the region. ​

SPONSORED

Level Up Your Career with Online Computer Training!

Master In-Demand Tech Skills — 100% Online & Flexible

The foreign ministers of the Sahel states acknowledged the potential for deepening defense ties with Russia. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop stated, “We can expand our ties as well as discover new prospects for working in the sphere of defense and security but also develop other areas for the benefit of our people.”

This diplomatic engagement reflects a strategic shift by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all governed by military juntas following recent coups, to diversify their international partnerships. The three nations have distanced themselves from former colonial power France and other Western entities, seeking alternative alliances to address ongoing security challenges posed by militant groups in the Sahel region. ​

The formation of the AES and its outreach to Russia signify a reorientation in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa, as these nations pursue collaborations that align with their current political and security objectives.

​​