Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger foreign ministers to visit Moscow this week

The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to visit Moscow this week to strengthen ties with Russia. This visit is scheduled for April 3 and 4, 2025. The foreign ministers will hold meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at his invitation, as announced in a joint statement from the three African countries’ foreign ministries on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

The three West African nations Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are governed by military juntas that took power through coups in recent years. These countries have formed an alliance known as the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The AES was initially established as a defense pact in 2023 but has since expanded its focus to include political and economic integration. The confederation was formed in response to the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinforce democracy in the junta-led nations.

The AES countries have distanced themselves from traditional Western allies, particularly France, their former colonial power. They have expelled French and other Western forces and have turned towards Russia for military support.

The Moscow meeting is labeled as the inaugural “AES-Russia consultations” and aims to establish substantial and pragmatic partnerships covering areas of mutual interest. The visit is expected to focus on several areas;

Military Cooperation: Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group and its successor; Africa Corps are currently assisting the AES countries in their fight against extremist groups.

Political Dialogue: The heads of state of the AES confederation and the Russian Federation share a desire to extend their partnership and political dialogue at the confederal level. The discussions will aim to place these partnerships at the heart of their diplomatic, development, and defense agendas.

Economic Integration: The AES is working towards deeper political and economic integration and the Moscow talks may explore opportunities for economic collaboration and trade.

AES-ECOWAS Tensions: The AES has imposed a 0.5 percent import levy on ECOWAS nations, disrupting free trade within the region and heightening tensions with the bloc.

Russian Support: Moscow has concluded defense agreements with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger and has supplied military equipment. It also cooperates with the AES on energy and mining.

The Moscow visit represents a strategic shift in the foreign policies of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.