Putin Deepens Russia's Sahel Alliance as Lavrov Backs Unified AES Bloc | Firstpost Africa

Russia has taken its partnership with the Alliance of Sahel States to a new level. During a high-level summit in Niger, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered a personal invitation from President Vladimir Putin to the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger for the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. More importantly, Moscow treated the AES as a single diplomatic bloc rather than three separate governments, signalling growing international recognition for the alliance. The discussions extended well beyond security, covering investment, mining, energy, banking and coordination at the United Nations. As Russia expands its influence across the Sahel through military support and deeper economic cooperation, this partnership is evolving into a long-term geopolitical project that could reshape the balance of power in West Africa while challenging decades of Western dominance. Also on the show: -Nigeria: Fake Agency Escapes Tinubu's Attention, Captures Nearly $1 Million -Zimbabwe Opposition Asks African Union to Intervene as Mnangagwa Extends Term -Kenya: 'Nairobi Birdman' Shares Life and Home With Wild City Birds --- Russia Africa Summit | Russia Africa Relations | Vladimir Putin | Sergei Lavrov | Alliance Of Sahel States | AES Summit | Russia Sahel | Russia Niger | Russia Mali | Russia Burkina Faso | Russia Africa News | Putin Africa | Lavrov Niger | West Africa News | Russia West Africa | Firstpost | Firstpost Africa | Alyson Le Grange #russia #putin #lavrov #africa #sahel #niger #mali #burkinafaso #firstpost #firstpostafrica #alysonlegrange Firstpost is an Indian news and media website. Get all the incisive opinions, in-depth analyses and other visual stories that matter to you and the world right here on this channel. Subscribe to Firstpost channel and press the bell icon to get notified when we go live.    / @firstpost   Follow Firstpost on Website: https://www.firstpost.com Follow Firstpost on Instagram:   / firstpost   Follow Firstpost on Facebook:   / firstpostin   Follow Firstpost on X:   / firstpost   Follow Firstpost on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029...