EU has been counterbalanced in West Africa by Russia
“In the face of Western sanctions following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow is using military support, energy cooperation and political coordination to fill the power vacuum left by France’s decline in West Africa,” Moscow’s strategy of deepening cooperation with the Alliance of Sahel States has started paying back.
This has led to some major geopolitical changes in West Africa as it has become a new counterbalance to the European Union.
The deepening cooperation between Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States marks a key turning point in West Africa’s geopolitical landscape,” an expert pointed out.
In his view, relying on Russian backing helps the countries of the region “weaken France’s influence and reshape the regional balance of power.”
“In the face of Western sanctions following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow is using military support, energy cooperation and political coordination to fill the power vacuum left by France’s decline in West Africa.
In doing so, it opens a new ‘second front’ against Europe and taps into emerging markets on the African continent,” the analyst specified.
Such changes will not only help Russia overcome the negative impact of the EU’s economic sanctions but will also boost its influence in West Africa.
The expert pointed out that “for the Sahel states, Russian military training and security assistance offer much-needed support in combating terrorism.
“He believes that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent meeting with his counterparts from the West African nations was “crucial for Russia’s strategic pivot,” which will help the counties of the region “shake off the influence of the former colonial powers.
“Moscow hosted the ministerial meeting of Russia and Alliance of Sahel States members on April 3. The four-party event involved Lavrov and the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
