Russia Strengthens Military Ties with Mali Amid Sahel Summit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Thursday that Russia is significantly enhancing its military cooperation with Mali, as the foreign ministers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger met with Russian officials in Moscow.

Lavrov revealed that Russia’s military collaboration with Mali is growing, with Russian troops actively working alongside Mali’s forces in training exercises and operational support. This marks a further deepening of ties between Russia and the three Sahel countries, all of which have experienced military coups between 2020 and 2023.

The summit comes at a time when Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have increasingly distanced themselves from their former colonial power, France, and its allies. These nations withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) early this year, accusing the bloc of aligning too closely with France. In response, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new political and defense-focused coalition aimed at fostering closer regional integration.

Lavrov emphasized that the summit represents a new chapter in Russia’s relationship with the Sahel region, with deeper cooperation not only in defense but also in political and economic spheres. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop expressed support for the growing ties with Russia and confirmed that Malian President Assimi Goita will visit Moscow in June.

The Sahel nations are increasingly turning to Russia for support in countering jihadist insurgencies that have plagued the region, with Russia offering both military expertise and mercenary forces.

This evolving partnership highlights Russia’s expanding influence in Africa, especially as it fills the void left by Western powers in the region. The growing alignment of these Sahel states with Russia underscores their shift away from traditional Western alliances in favor of more diversified international relations.