Russia Offers Security Support to Sahel Region
(MENAFN) Moscow has expressed its willingness to assist Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in strengthening their security efforts against terrorism and armed factions that are undermining the Sahel region, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry.
These West African nations have endured a prolonged jihadist uprising for over ten years, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions.
The pledge was made during the inaugural consultation between Russia's defense authorities and those of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
During the discussion, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov emphasized that the Sahel continues to face persistent threats from terrorism and increasingly active unlawful militant groups, despite regional leaders’ ongoing efforts to establish lasting peace.
“We support your position on the need to strengthen security, protect territories and sovereignty,” Belousov said to his counterparts from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as quoted in an official announcement.
He also remarked that the shared talks “would be an important forum for discussing ways to strengthen defense cooperation” between Moscow and the AES nations.
The jihadist rebellion originated in northern Mali in 2012 and subsequently spread to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, despite continuous military operations by Western forces.
This unrest has triggered significant political upheaval, leading to military takeovers in all three countries since 2020 and the eventual formation of their joint security coalition in 2023.
Since then, the interim administrations in Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou have deepened their collaboration with Russia, seeking broader defense ties after cutting off relations with former allies, such as the United States and France.
The three former French territories have specifically accused Paris of aggressive actions and of exacerbating insecurity in the Sahel while claiming to conduct anti-terrorism campaigns.
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