Russia is ready to assist Benin in normalizing relations with the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States and hopes for a dialogue between the parties, Russian Ambassador to Benin and Togo Igor Evdokimov told Sputnik.
"We welcome Benin's commitment to normalizing relations with the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States. We hope that both sides will resolve the existing issues via dialogue and the search for mutually acceptable solutions. Moscow is ready to contribute in every possible way to these processes," Evdokimov said.
The diplomat said that Russia traditionally relies on the principle of "African solutions to African issues."
In September 2023, the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States to ensure collective defense. According to the document, an attack on the sovereignty or territorial integrity of one or more parties to the charter will be regarded as aggression against the other parties and will require their assistance, including the use of military force.