Previously asked for military support from Russia: 3 African countries united in a confederation

Previously they asked for military support from Russia: 3 African countries united into a confederation Angelika Baybak

African countries created a confederation/Collage 24 Channel

Military juntas of three African countries – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – formed own confederation. The creation of a new union called the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) was announced at the first summit on the occasion of the unification of the countries.

It is worth noting that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are increasingly deepening their relations with Russia. Previously, these African countries asked for military support from Moscow.

African military juntas announced the creation of a confederation

In Niamey, the capital of Niger, on Saturday, July 5, on the occasion of the creation of the confederation, the first summit of 3 African countries was held. It was led by General Abdurahamane Ciani (leader of Niger), Colonel Assimi Goita (Mali) and Captain Ibrahim Traore (Burkina Faso).

The juntas were announced about the creation of the confederation/Photo by Ibrahim Traore

It is known that that all three leaders seized power through military coups between 2020 and 2023. As noted in the media, the summit of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso was the first after these countries withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States in January 2024. Then the military juntas declared that the community was under the influence of France, so they sought to create their own “independent” association.

As the leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso noted, the creation of a confederation – this is “a step towards greater integration of countries.”

Interestingly, The Insider previously reported that junta leaders agreed on the creation of a new association after negotiating with Russia. In December, Deputy Defense Minister of the aggressor country Yunus-Bek Yevkurov visited African countries to deepen cooperation. At the same time, Niger, Mali and Burkin Faso allowed Russian military personnel into the country. As journalists previously noted, in this way Russia is increasing its influence in the region.