Russian Foreign Minister announces Russia’s readiness to help form the Sahel coalition force
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his country’s readiness to assist in the formation of a joint force for the Sahel Alliance, which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
During a joint press conference in Moscow, Thursday, with the foreign ministers of the three countries, Lavrov said that Russia is ready to share its expertise by organizing special seminars and courses by experts and trainers, and by providing defense products to the Sahel Alliance countries.
Lavrov spoke of an agreement between Russia and the three countries, in the final statement marking the visit of their foreign ministers, regarding the convergence of positions on most major international issues.
He noted that the Sahel countries intend to support initiatives presented by Russia to the United Nations, and that Moscow will respond in kind regarding just decisions concerning Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger regarding sovereignty and independence, and won’t allow any initiatives to be passed that are contrary to the interests of these countries.
Earlier, during a meeting held Thursday with the foreign ministers of Mali, Niger, Bakary Yao Sangaré, and Burkina Faso, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, the Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the integration process among the coalition countries, which opens up broader opportunities to enhance cooperation in several vital areas.
For his part, Mali’s foreign minister praised cooperation between his country and Russia, saying it was progressing well on the ground.
Meanwhile, Niger’s foreign minister said Moscow’s support for Niamey in its fight against armed groups means a lot.
For his part, Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister stressed that the Sahel Alliance’s cooperation with Russia contributes to the development of security, the economy, trade, innovation, new technologies, and institutional development.
The Sahel Alliance was established in September 2023, and in July 2024, the three founding countries announced that it had become a confederation.
Last January, the three Sahel countries who form a joint alliance, officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso strengthened their ties with Russia after military leaders came to power following a series of coups that ousted civilian presidents who had close ties with Paris, and this strained relations between their countries and France, leading to the expulsion of French forces from the three countries.
