Russia has expressed its readiness to enhance military support to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as these nations intensify efforts to combat terrorism and bolster regional security. This development follows the recent announcement that the foreign ministers of the three countries will visit Moscow on April 3 and 4 to engage in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The visit aims to establish strategic, pragmatic, and supportive cooperation between the AES and Russia, marking the first session of “AES-Russia consultations.” The alliance, formed by the three West African nations, seeks to coordinate efforts in ensuring security, conducting joint military operations, and strengthening sovereignty.
Russia has previously demonstrated support for the AES by sending military specialists and equipment to assist in counter-terrorism operations. Tatyana Dovgalenko, head of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Russia provides assistance in strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities and enhancing the combat readiness of national armed forces.
Additionally, Russia has supplied heavy armored vehicles to Mali, reflecting its ongoing commitment to bolstering the military capacities of AES member states.
The upcoming meetings in Moscow are expected to further solidify the partnership between Russia and the AES, focusing on collaborative strategies to address the persistent jihadist insurgency that has afflicted the Sahel region for over a decade. This cooperation underscores a significant shift in the geopolitical dynamics of West Africa, as the AES nations seek alternative alliances to enhance their security and sovereignty.
