Russia remains committed to supporting the enhancement of the combat capabilities of national armed forces in the Sahel region, Igor Gromyko, the Russian Ambassador to Mali and Niger, said during a press conference in Bamako.
“Russia reaffirms its intention to continue providing necessary assistance to the Alliance of Sahel States, including enhancing the combat readiness of national armed forces, training military personnel and law enforcement officers, and fostering mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with these countries,” Gromyko said.
He further emphasized that Russia views the establishment of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States as a significant step toward addressing common challenges posed by Islamist groups in the Sahara-Sahel region. “Consistent with our fundamental principle of 'African solutions to African problems,' we believe this initiative by the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger aligns fully with the interests of their peoples. We are confident that the Confederation will positively contribute to shaping a new architecture of regional security,” the diplomat added.
On September 16, 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a regional collective defense organization. Subsequently, on January 28, 2024, these nations jointly decided to expedite their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing its alleged subservience to foreign powers and its transformation into a threat to member states and their peoples.
On July 6, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally announced the establishment of the “Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States” to deepen cooperation and integration across the region.
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Based on TASS materials