Moscow intends to continue contributing to the improvement of the combat effectiveness of the national armed forces of the Confederation of Sahel States, Russian Ambassador to Mali and Niger Igor Gromyko said.
"Russia confirms its intention to continue providing the necessary support to the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States, including assistance in improving the combat effectiveness of the national armed forces, training of military and law enforcement personnel, as well as developing mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with these states," the ambassador said during a press conference in Bamako.
Gromyko noted that Russia considers the establishment of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States as an important step in solving common tasks to counter extremist groups in the Sahara-Sahel zone.
"In line with our fundamental principle of 'African problems—African solutions,' we believe that this initiative by the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger fully meets the interests of the peoples of these states," the diplomat stressed.
He added, "We are convinced that the creation of the confederation will have a positive impact on the formation of a new regional security architecture."
On September 16, 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger created the AES, a regional collective defense organization. In late January 2024, the three countries announced a joint decision to withdraw as soon as possible from ECOWAS, which they said was "under the influence of foreign powers and has become a threat to the member states and their peoples."
On July 6, Ouagadougou, Bamako, and Niamey announced the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States to achieve deeper cooperation and integration, with Mali assuming leadership of the new union for one year.