A high-ranking delegation from the Russian Defense Ministry, led by Deputy Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, recently visited Mali and Niger, two West African countries that have cut military ties with France. Mali’s interim leader, Assimi Goita, hosted the officials at the presidential palace in Bamako to discuss defense and security cooperation, as well as the situation in the Sahel region plagued by jihadist violence.
In Niger, Transitional leader Abdourahamane Tchiani met with Russian Defense Ministry representatives to discuss military, security, and economic cooperation, solidifying their strategic partnership based on mutual respect and trust.
Both Mali and Niger have been strengthening their relations with Russia, diminishing Western influence in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his counterparts in Mali and Niger have committed to combating terrorism in the Sahel, while American troops are set to withdraw from Niger after a defense deal was canceled.
Overall, this shift in alliances highlights a changing geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region as countries seek new partners to address security challenges.