Russian Ambassador: We intend to contribute to the resumption of dialogue between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States
Russian Ambassador to Benin and Togo Igor Evdokimov said his country intends to contribute to the resumption of dialogue between ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the Alliance of Sahel States (which includes Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso), as the conditions are now ripe to give new impetus to this path.
In an interview with Russia’s state news agency TASS, Evdokimov expressed his country’s readiness to play a mediating role, including at the bilateral level, in particular with the aim of normalizing relations between Benin and Niger, with full respect for the interests of the various parties.
He noted that “Russia attaches great importance to the survival of West Africa as a space for peace and stability… We therefore fully welcome the growing dynamic of integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)”.
“The continuation of tensions in the coastal desert space will inevitably reflect on neighboring countries,” he said.
“Within the framework of Russian-Togolese contacts, including at the highest levels, we note a clear request from our partners to support the strengthening of their defense capabilities, and a framework agreement on military cooperation has already been signed and entered into force… An agreement aimed at simplifying docking procedures at the ports of Russia and Togo is currently being finalized,” he added.
During the interview, the Russian diplomat spoke about the Russia-Africa summit in its third edition, scheduled to be held before the end of 2026, pointing out that it will be dedicated to an in-depth discussion on current issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and global challenges.
Russia has strengthened its presence in Africa in recent years, especially after a series of coups in a number of countries on the continent and the decline of France’s presence in its traditional sphere of influence.
