By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Russia has confirmed its readiness to provide military assistance to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, following high-level talks in Moscow with defence officials from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov hosted the meeting, where parties discussed the current security situation in the Sahel and explored areas for deeper defence cooperation. Belousov emphasized Moscow’s support for the AES’s efforts to strengthen security, defend territorial integrity, and maintain sovereignty.
According to a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry, the discussions aimed to advance a four-way dialogue on defence collaboration. The ministers signed a joint declaration summarizing the outcome of the consultations and also formalized memorandums of understanding between Russia and the AES defence ministries.
Representing the AES during the talks, Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara stated that the initiative to hold the meeting reflected a shared interest in expanding strategic defence partnerships. He noted that defence cooperation remains the most developed area of engagement between Russia and the AES.
The Alliance of Sahel States — comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — was established as a mutual defence pact in September 2023. On July 6, 2024, the alliance was formalized into a confederation, with plans to broaden cooperation beyond defence to include economic and social development.
