Russia is rapidly cementing its influence in the Sahel through deeper strategic ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—members of the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
This evolving partnership comes amid growing disenchantment with Western alliances and a concerted effort by Sahel nations to redefine their regional and international alignments.
In a quadrilateral meeting in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomed his counterparts from the three Sahel states, reinforcing Moscow’s commitment to supporting the AES’s quest for sovereignty, regional security, and economic independence.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, this development is not just symbolic but signals a fundamental geopolitical realignment in the region.
“Russia is positioning itself as a reliable partner in an era where many African nations are seeking alternatives to traditional Western powers,”; he observed.
Lavrov emphasized Russia’s readiness to deepen military and economic cooperation, highlighting ongoing initiatives in trade, infrastructure, and capacity building. He expressed strong support for the AES’s efforts to establish a security architecture grounded in local ownership and regional integration.
The Sahel bloc’s shift from ECOWAS and pivot toward Moscow follows a series of military takeovers that ushered in new leadership in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These transitions have spurred a move away from Western military and political frameworks toward what Makama describes as “a multipolar strategy, where Russia emerges as a strategic counterbalance.”;
The partnership also extends to global platforms. Lavrov confirmed Russia’s intention to enhance AES participation in the Russia-Africa Forum, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reiterated his country’s dedication to this alliance, citing shared goals in regional security and development. For Russia, this engagement reflects a broader strategy to increase its foothold on the African continent at a time of rising global competition.
“The AES-Russia alignment is reshaping the security and diplomatic contours of the Sahel. It’s a strategic pivot with long-term implications for Africa’s balance of power.”;
