The resurgence of Russia-Africa military cooperation

This article sets out to explore the resurgent Russia-Africa military cooperation in the Sahel, with special reference to Burkina Faso and Niger. In its methodology and design, it thematically analysed existing historical and contemporary academic and grey literature and media reports to situate and contextualize the increasing Russia military influence in the Sahel. It is also based on personal reflections from informal discussions with academics and Fellows at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) between March 2024 and May 2024. It concludes that while Burkina Faso and Niger have embraced Russia for security cooperation in the hope of extinguishing militant Islamist jihadists causing insecurity in both countries, this move is yet to bear much fruit as insecurity continue to persist. While the influence of traditional allies like France and USA are increasingly waning in the Sahel, Russia emerges as an alternative security and economic partner, the consolidation of Russia-Africa military cooperation is yet to be fully realized. While Moscow projects itself as a dependable ally of the Sahelians, and with no historical baggage of former colonizer and imperialist as with France, the opacity of the Kremlin’s engagements with Burkina Faso and Niger casts doubt on the actual nature of this emerging military cooperation. Grounding its arguments on Morgenthau’s view of realist theory, it argues that both Russia, Burkina Faso and Niger are seeking to protect their interests as they endeavour to project their power. It concludes that as Russia and China’s influence rise in Africa, the traditional Western allies will likely seek to strengthen ties with other African countries that are still friendly. In so doing, they will be seeking to protect their interests in Africa while still attempting to ward off competition from Russia, especially on matters to do with military and security cooperation