On April 3, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger visited Moscow to enhance security and economic cooperation with Russia. They emphasized counterinsurgency strategies against jihadism and established ongoing AES-Russia consultations. The meeting highlighted a commitment to autonomous regional governance and military assistance, marking a significant shift away from reliance on Western military support.

On April 3, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger visited Moscow to discuss security and economic cooperation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This meeting is pivotal for strengthening ties between the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and Russia, reflecting a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has highlighted that the ministers prioritized addressing their political crises and exploring economic opportunities during their discussions. This gathering marked the inauguration of the “AES-Russia consultations,” aimed at collaborating on counterinsurgency strategies against jihadist threats prevalent in the Sahel region.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, governed by military regimes since recent coups, are in search of alternative alliances after witnessing the ineffectiveness of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in addressing regional security challenges. Their pivot towards Russia signifies a strategic departure from reliance on French and Western military support to seeking assistance that aligns with their sovereignty goals.

The discussions in Moscow also emphasized the need for military aid in combating terrorism and furthering political dialogue to enhance economic partnerships. Despite the challenges faced by AES, including financial constraints and regaining stability after leaving ECOWAS, Russia remains committed to cooperative military endeavors with these nations.

Additionally, the AES has implemented a 0.5% levy on imported goods to self-finance its operations post-ECOWAS withdrawal, signifying an end to free trade with the regional bloc and showcasing the growing economic independence of these nations.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have engaged in myriad resource extraction agreements with Russia, trading access to their natural resources for military equipment and support. A notable agreement includes Burkina Faso’s Memorandum of Understanding on nuclear energy signed with Rosatom during the Russia-Africa summit in July 2023.

The meetings between the Sahelian countries and Russia symbolize a transformative phase in regional geopolitics aimed at enhancing security and fostering economic collaboration. The AES’s strategic shift from traditional alliances to seeking Russian support highlights both the challenges faced by these nations and the potential benefits of deepening ties with new partners. Ultimately, the drive for autonomy and prosperity intensifies as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger navigate their path in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: indepthnews.net

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