Russia has urged closer cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), arguing that pragmatic dialogue is essential to tackling worsening security challenges in West Africa.
The call was made during the second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum held in Cairo, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with ECOWAS Commission President Omar Ali al-Turay.
Focus on Security and Terrorism
According to Russian officials, the spread of militant violence and cross-border terrorism in the Sahel-Saharan region requires coordinated regional responses that go beyond political divisions.
Moscow said ECOWAS and the AES should work toward identifying shared priorities and mechanisms to counter armed groups operating across borders, stressing that fragmented approaches weaken collective security efforts.
Russia’s Expanding Role in the Sahel
Russia has become a key international partner for the AES, which comprises Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The three countries formed the alliance after military coups and subsequently withdrew from ECOWAS, citing disagreements over sanctions and regional governance.
In recent years, the Sahel states have also severed or scaled back defence cooperation with France and other Western partners, turning instead toward Russia for security assistance and diplomatic backing. By promoting dialogue between ECOWAS and the AES, Moscow is positioning itself as a supporter of regional mediation and stability.
ECOWAS Maintains Limited Engagement
Despite strained relations following the AES countries’ exit from ECOWAS, the regional bloc has taken steps to preserve functional cooperation in key areas:
• Financial oversight: On December 14, ECOWAS admitted Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger as non-member participants in the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering (GIABA), after the three states committed to meeting regional compliance standards.
• Development finance: The Sahel countries will continue to access the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) as “non-regional countries,” allowing ongoing infrastructure and development projects to proceed.
• Security coordination: ECOWAS has reiterated that effective counter-terrorism in West Africa requires collaboration with all neighbouring states, including those now outside the bloc.
Regional Implications
Analysts say Russia’s intervention reflects broader geopolitical shifts in West Africa, where traditional alliances are being reshaped amid insecurity, political transitions and competition among global powers.
Whether ECOWAS and the AES can rebuild structured cooperation remains uncertain, but officials acknowledge that sustained dialogue may be critical to limiting the spread of violence across the region.
Source: Africa Publicity
