According to a report by The Moscow Times on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, Russia has accused Western nations of attempting to undermine stability in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, highlighting these countries as key partners in Moscow’s expanding engagement in Africa. The remarks were made by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin during an interview with TASS, where he outlined Moscow’s strategic priorities in the region.
Vershinin emphasized that Russia sees significant potential in emerging regional frameworks that support the sovereign development of African nations. He specifically pointed to the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), which brings together Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as a key partner in efforts to promote security and development on the continent. According to the deputy minister, these countries have been targeted by Western initiatives aimed at destabilizing the region, despite their frontline role in counterterrorism operations across the Sahel.
“In the AES states, which are actively combating terrorism, we observe deliberate attempts by Western powers to disrupt regional stability,” Vershinin said. He stressed that Russia remains committed to supporting the confederation’s security and socio-economic development, noting that these objectives are central to Moscow’s broader Africa strategy.
Vershinin also highlighted recent diplomatic steps taken to institutionalize Russia-AES cooperation. This year, a new Russia-AES framework was launched, and in April, the first meeting of foreign ministers under this format took place, marking a significant step in the confederation’s engagement with global partners. The initiative has since expanded to include ministerial talks on justice, defense, and education, reflecting Russia’s intention to foster comprehensive cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Russian diplomat underlined that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to build multifaceted partnerships with Africa’s subregional communities. Moscow views the Sahel region as a critical area for promoting security, economic development, and regional integration, positioning itself as a supportive partner at a time when Western influence is perceived as destabilizing.
Vershinin concluded by reaffirming Russia’s commitment to maintaining momentum in its relations with the AES and other African regional organizations. He emphasized that Moscow’s approach combines bilateral initiatives with multilateral engagement, aiming to strengthen governance, enhance counterterrorism capacity, and support sustainable development.
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