Russia has announced its readiness to assist Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in forming a joint military force aimed at strengthening security across the Sahel region.
The pledge was made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a press conference in Moscow following the signing of a cooperation agreement with the three West African countries.
The agreement outlines steps to deepen military cooperation, including training of troops, delivery of weapons, and boosting overall defense capabilities. Lavrov stated that the finalized communiqué, which will be published soon, focuses on building national strength and safeguarding the sovereignty of the Sahel nations.
The offer comes at a time when Russia is expanding its presence in West Africa. The region has seen rising instability and a shifting power dynamic following the withdrawal of French forces, who previously played a central role in counterterrorism operations across the area.
Lavrov explained that Russia is prepared to help the three countries improve their armed forces’ readiness and form a joint force capable of addressing common threats. Moscow also plans to support the training of both military and law enforcement personnel from the Sahel nations.
Russia’s push into the region also involves diplomatic coordination. Lavrov said that the countries involved have reaffirmed shared views on global matters, especially at the United Nations. The Sahel states have voiced support for Russian-led initiatives at the UN, and in return, Russia has promised to back efforts that preserve their national interests and reject foreign interference.
The growing partnership reflects a broader geopolitical shift in West Africa, where former colonial powers are losing ground to new allies promising support without conditions. As the Sahel nations seek to confront rising security threats and maintain independence, their alignment with Moscow is poised to reshape regional defense strategies.