The Alliance of Sahel States and Russia deepen strategic collaboration in Niamey
Niamey, Niger, served as the backdrop for the second round of high-level consultations between the foreign ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and their Russian counterpart this past Wednesday, July 8. The gathering brought together Niger’s Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Mali’s Abdoulaye Diop, Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, and Russia’s Sergei Lavrov to chart a unified path forward.
The ministers highlighted the fruitful ongoing dialogue between the AES and Russia, which has already yielded tangible progress in both military cooperation and economic development initiatives. Abdoulaye Diop of Mali emphasized the constructive and regular exchanges that have strengthened defense ties and fostered commercial opportunities, all underpinned by a shared diplomatic vision.
On regional security, the AES leadership underscored the urgent need to escalate joint counterterrorism efforts. They called for accelerated military cooperation to bolster the operational capabilities of the AES Unified Force. Economic partnership was also a focal point, with ministers stressing the importance of implementing the Second-Year Roadmap to drive sustainable growth and stability across the region.
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to a mutually advantageous partnership with the AES. He pledged continued support for security initiatives across the confederation and outlined plans to advance sustainable development projects aimed at improving livelihoods for local populations.
This session follows the inaugural AES-Russia consultations held in Moscow in April 2025, marking another step in Lavrov’s recent diplomatic engagements across Africa.
