Russia vows military backing for Sahel juntas' joint force

Russia vows military backing for Sahel juntas' joint force

MOSCOW - Russia has committed to helping military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger acquire arms and training for a planned 5,000-strong force to deploy in the central Sahel region, a statement said. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Russia has pledged to help the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger acquire weapons and training for a planned 5,000-strong force to be deployed in the central Sahel region, according to a government statement. The West African countries, ruled by juntas that seized power in coups in recent years, have formed an alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance has ousted French and other Western powers and turned to R…

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has declared Russia's readiness to contribute to the unified forces of the Sahel Alliance, emphasizing the need to equip them appropriately. For this purpose, Russia plans to send military instructors who will work with local armed forces.