Russia will maintain military backing for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Moscow confirmed in a joint statement issued Wednesday. The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Niamey between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and foreign ministers of the three countries. Lavrov stated Russia would "continue its support for strengthening the operational capacities of AES member states' armed forces." The alliance, composed of military-led governments that emerged from coups between 2020 and 2023, has distanced itself from France and aligned more closely with Russia.
The meeting in Niger followed a similar gathering held in Moscow in April 2025, underscoring ongoing diplomatic coordination between the AES and Russia. Russian forces and its Africa Corps paramilitaries are actively involved in counterterrorism operations in the region, assisting the three nations in combating jihadist groups responsible for tens of thousands of deaths. In addition to security cooperation, Russia is expanding its engagement with the AES countries in energy and mining sectors. The joint statement did not specify new agreements but reaffirmed existing commitments. Lavrov did not disclose the duration or scale of future military assistance.
The AES countries have increasingly isolated themselves from Western partners, particularly France, their former colonial ruler, while deepening ties with Moscow. Russia's presence in the region has grown amid accusations of using proxy forces to extend influence. The joint statement emphasized mutual interests in security and economic development. No date was given for the next meeting.
Sergei Lavrov's visit reinforces Russia's expanding military footprint in West Africa through direct support to three coup-led governments. The coordination between Moscow and the AES regimes highlights a strategic shift away from Western-aligned security frameworks. This alignment benefits Russia's access to mineral-rich territories under the guise of counterterrorism. The long-term presence of Russian paramilitaries may further entrench military rule in the region.
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