MOSCOW, Russia – Russia is assisting the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by providing military specialists, equipment, and training to strengthen security efforts in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, a senior Russian Foreign Ministry official confirmed.

Tatiana Dovgalenko, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Partnership with Africa, stated that Moscow remains committed to enhancing the defense capabilities of AES member states.

“Russia, for its part, assists both in strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities and improving the combat effectiveness of national armed forces by sending military specialists and equipment, training military and law enforcement personnel, as well as in the social and economic development of the countries of the region,” Dovgalenko said, as cited by media reports.

The AES was established in July 2024 during a summit in Niamey, where the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger signed an agreement formalizing their cooperation and signaling their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Dovgalenko noted that the alliance is a crucial step toward regional security and stability, emphasizing that the initiative follows the principle of “African problems—African solutions.”

According to reports, the three states have made progress in securing their territories and are finalizing the creation of a 5,000-strong AES military force.

Source: [SputnikAfrica]