In a significant diplomatic shift, the foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are visiting Moscow from April 3-4 to strengthen their strategic partnership with Russia. This marks the first AES-Russia consultations since the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) was established in 2024.

The visit highlights a growing pivot away from former colonial power France and the regional bloc ECOWAS. These West African nations, governed by military juntas following coups between 2020 and 2023, are seeking political and military support from Moscow as they face ongoing jihadist insurgencies that have devastated local populations.

As part of the AES’s Year 1 Roadmap, chaired by Mali, the ministers will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss enhanced cooperation in defense, security, and economic development. The AES views this visit as a “crucial step” toward advancing shared goals.

Russia has already provided military support through the Wagner Group, and the three nations have signed defense agreements with Moscow. Collaboration is also underway in energy and mining sectors. Additionally, the AES has withdrawn from multiple international organizations and established a joint 5,000-strong military force to combat regional terrorism.

By strengthening ties with Russia, the Sahel states aim to bolster their security efforts and assert greater autonomy from Western influence.

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