politics
Russia and Sahel States Agree on Military Support and Energy Cooperation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Niger on July 8, 2026, and met with junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani. Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States agreed Moscow would continue backing the armed forces of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Le Monde reported the developments from the high-level meeting.
Jul 8, 7:56 PM·1m read1 source
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Niger on July 8, 2026, and met with junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani. Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States issued a joint statement committing Moscow to continued military support for the three countries' armed forces.
" The AES comprises Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, all governed by military regimes that took power through coups between 2020 and 2023.
Lavrov attended a high-level meeting with the foreign ministers of the three nations. The format followed a similar gathering held in Moscow in April 2025. Russia and its Africa Corps paramilitaries are assisting the AES countries against jihadist groups that have killed tens of thousands across the region.
The countries have distanced themselves from France and drawn closer to Russia, which is also seeking cooperation in energy and mining sectors, Le Monde reported.
