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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has met with representatives of the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The three Sahel nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a breakaway regional bloc that has strained relations with the West.
During his visit to Niamey on Wednesday, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting the three governments, including through military cooperation.
In a joint statement issued during the visit, the AES and Russia said Moscow would “continue its support for strengthening the operational capacities of AES member states’ armed forces.”
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are all governed by military juntas that seized power in coups between 2020 and 2023. Since then, they have distanced themselves from their former colonial power, France, and strengthened ties with Russia.
Russia and its Africa Corps paramilitary force have been supporting the three countries in their fight against terrorist groups that have killed tens of thousands of people across the region.
Moscow is also seeking to deepen cooperation with the AES countries in the energy and mining sectors.
