Moscow and Sahel country boosting strategic partnerships

Russia and Burkina Faso have discussed information security, as well as future military, economic, and academic cooperation

Fighting terrorism and enhancing military-technical cooperation in Africa’s Sahel region remains one of Moscow’s most important priorities, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said. 

He made the remarks during talks with Burkina Faso’s foreign minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, in Moscow on Thursday. Lavrov described interaction between officials of the two countries as “truly exemplary.” 

The Russian diplomat also noted the emerging cooperation within with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), referencing two ministerial meetings that have already taken place. Lavrov confirmed that the next meeting would be held in one of the group’s countries. In turn, Traore welcomed Moscow’s assistance and recognition of the alliance.  

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have expelled French troops previously deployed on counterterrorism missions, accusing France of failing to contain local insurgencies. The three states have since formed the AES and forged new partnerships, including with Russia, as they look for alternative support to address the region’s deepening security crisis.

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Information security was another major topic during discussions. Lavrov emphasized the need for cooperation in the information sphere amid what he called an “information war unleashed by the West” against countries pursuing a sovereign policy.  

Traore agreed, saying the agreement signed during the meeting would allow both sides to work “energetically and calmly” to counter false information. 

Looking ahead, an intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation is scheduled to launch in 2026. Russia will be represented by Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, and Burkina Faso by its Minister of Agriculture. 

Burkina Faso’s minister also announced an agreement in the field of science, including a memorandum on the mutual recognition of academic diplomas. 

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The foreign ministers’ meeting followed a high‑level presidential meeting in Moscow. In May, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Burkinabe President Ibrahim Traore in the Kremlin, where they discussed deepening bilateral relations, security cooperation and shared efforts to counter terrorism. The talks took place alongside commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.