Russia and the African Sahel Alliance signed a defense memorandum of understanding
Russia and the Sahel Alliance countries (Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso) signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation and a joint declaration at the conclusion of the first meeting in Moscow between the Russian Defense Minister and his counterparts from the three countries.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said his country supports the position of these three countries regarding the need to enhance security, protect territory, and safeguard sovereignty.
In his speech during the meeting held on Thursday, Belousov added that the quadrilateral dialogue will become an important format for discussing issues of enhancing cooperation in the defense sector.
He explained that the decision to form the Sahel Alliance reflects the choice of the peoples of the Sahel for a free path toward sustainable, peaceful development, noting that terrorist threats and the activities of illegal armed groups persist to this day in the countries of the union.
For his part, Malian Defense Minister General Sadio Camara, speaking on behalf of the defense ministers of the Sahel Alliance, said, “Organizing this first meeting at the level of defense ministers reflects a shared desire to strengthen the strategic partnership between the countries”.
Camara stressed that defense cooperation between the three Sahel countries and Russia currently constitutes the main area of cooperation.
On September 6, 2023, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso decided to establish the G5 Sahel Alliance, after withdrawing from the G5 Sahel group, which also included Mauritania and Chad.
On January 28, 2024, the three countries announced a joint decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
On July 6, 2024, these countries officially announced the establishment of the Sahel Alliance, with the aim of enhancing cooperation and integration among them.
