Strengthening strategic ties: Sahel states and Russia advance joint plans in Niamey
Niamey became the focal point of regional diplomacy on Wednesday, July 8, as the second round of high-level consultations between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Russian officials took center stage. The meeting brought together foreign ministers from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso alongside Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov.
Niger’s Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Mali’s Abdoulaye Diop, and Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré engaged in productive discussions that yielded fresh agreements on shared diplomatic priorities. Abdoulaye Diop highlighted the fruitful and consistent exchanges between the AES and Russia, which have yielded tangible progress in both security collaboration and economic development.
The ministers underscored the urgent need to bolster military cooperation to enhance the operational readiness of the AES Joint Force. They also emphasized the importance of deepening economic partnerships outlined in the Confederation’s second-year roadmap. Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to mutually beneficial relations with the AES, pledging continued support for regional security initiatives and sustainable development projects benefiting local populations.
This latest gathering follows the inaugural AES-Russia consultations held in Moscow in April 2025, marking another step in Sergey Lavrov’s ongoing African diplomatic tour.
