Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have announced plans to establish a joint military force to combat terrorism in the Sahel region, with backing from Russia. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop made the announcement during a press conference in Moscow following meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. 

Diop stated that the three nations, united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aim to create a confederation force to address persistent security threats in their territories. He emphasized that defense, security, diplomacy, and development are the foundational pillars of this proposed confederation and highlighted Russia as a strategic partner in these efforts. 

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed Moscow’s readiness to assist in forming the combined military force, offering expertise in equipping the AES forces with specific weaponry. He also addressed the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stating that Russia supports harmonious coexistence between the AES and ECOWAS and is prepared to facilitate constructive dialogue to mend ties between the blocs. 

Additionally, Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare announced plans to open a Russian embassy in Niger, further solidifying diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

The formation of this joint force and the deepening ties with Russia signal a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Sahel region, as these nations seek new alliances and strategies to combat ongoing security challenges.