On March 27, 2024, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and the Center for Popular Diplomacy held a roundtable discussion “Alliance of Sahel States as a New Component of Regional Security: Threats and Opportunities for Russia.”
The experts explored the social and political development of the countries making up the Alliance of Sahel States. Russian and African experts also exchanged views on the alliance’s real capabilities in tackling external and internal threats.
On March 27, 2024, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and the Center for Popular Diplomacy held a roundtable discussion “Alliance of Sahel States as a New Component of Regional Security: Threats and Opportunities for Russia.”
The experts explored the social and political development of the countries making up the Alliance of Sahel States. Russian and African experts also exchanged views on the alliance’s real capabilities in tackling external and internal threats.
The speakers also addressed the organizers’ questions on the internal and external drivers behind the expansion of geographic control by radical groups linked to global jihadist networks. Is it possible to cut the ties between moderate Tuareg paramilitary groups and radicals? What leverage do France and the U.S. have over the Sahel countries? What options do Russia, China, Turkey and Arab states have for expanding their influence? Is it likely to have paramilitary groups effectively integrated into the armed forces?
The roundtable discussion brought together Africa experts from the RAS Institute for African Studies, the Center for Popular Diplomacy, HSE University, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University and MGIMO University, as well as experts from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
