Russia Strengthens Ties with Sahel Military Leaders in First-Ever Defense Meeting

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Moscow — Russia has hosted its first official defense talks with military leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, marking a significant step in Moscow’s expanding influence across Africa’s volatile Sahel region.

The meeting, chaired by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, brought together the defense chiefs of the three West African nations — all led by military juntas that have distanced themselves from France and forged closer ties with Moscow.

During the talks, both sides emphasized that defense remains the most prominent area of cooperation. Malian Defense Minister Sadio Camara, a key pro-Russian advocate in the region, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership in combating jihadist insurgencies that have destabilized much of the Sahel.

Defense ministers Salifou Modi of Niger and Celestin Simpore of Burkina Faso also attended the meeting, which concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation. While details were not disclosed, the agreement underscores Moscow’s readiness to offer “comprehensive assistance” to stabilize the region.

The talks come months after the three countries withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the bloc of siding with former colonial power France. In its place, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new coalition seen as strategically aligned with Russia.

Belousov hailed the AES as “the result of a free choice by the Sahelian peoples” and a sign of their commitment to “sustainable peaceful development” outside of Western influence.

The Sahel, plagued by Islamist insurgencies and political instability, has become a focal point for global power competition. Russia’s increased engagement — including the deployment of military advisers and mercenaries — comes as it seeks to offset Western isolation caused by its war in Ukraine.

The partnership offers the three African nations additional military support, intelligence sharing, and training capabilities, potentially reshaping the security dynamics of West Africa.

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