Strengthening alliances: Niger hosts AES-Russia foreign ministers meeting

Niamey, Niger’s vibrant capital, served as the backdrop for the second round of diplomatic consultations between foreign ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and their Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on July 8.

The gathering brought together Bakary Yaou Sangaré from Niger, Abdoulaye Diop from Mali, and Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré from Burkina Faso. Together, they deliberated on fresh avenues to deepen collaboration across defense, economic growth, and trade, all underpinned by a shared strategic outlook.

Abdoulaye Diop, Mali’s top diplomat, highlighted the fruitful and consistent exchanges between AES and Russia. He noted significant progress not only in military cooperation but also in economic and commercial initiatives, all aligned with a unified diplomatic vision.

The ministers underscored the urgent need to bolster regional counterterrorism efforts. They called for enhanced military cooperation to strengthen the operational readiness of the AES Unified Force. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of reinforcing economic partnerships as outlined in the Second-Year Roadmap of the AES.

Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to nurturing a mutually advantageous partnership with the AES. He pledged ongoing support for both security initiatives within the confederation and sustainable development projects designed to improve living standards for local populations.

This meeting follows the inaugural AES-Russia consultations held in Moscow in April 2025, part of a broader diplomatic tour by Russia’s foreign minister.