In a significant step towards strengthening judicial ties, the justice ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger (forming the Alliance of Sahel States – AES), and Russia have launched an initial cooperation framework in St. Petersburg. This unprecedented meeting marks a new chapter in the relationship between the Sahelian bloc and Moscow.
The gathering took place on the sidelines of the 13th International Legal Forum in St. Petersburg, held from May 19-21, 2025. Malian Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals Mamoudou Kassogué met with his counterparts from Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as the Russian Minister of Justice, Konstantin Chuychenko. This was the first such meeting of justice ministers from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) with a non-regional power, signaling a broader and deepening cooperation process.
The AES, officially established on July 6, 2024, unites Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, representing a combined population estimated at 71.4 million and a GDP of nearly $62.4 billion in 2024. The St. Petersburg Forum is an annual event, drawing approximately 5,000 legal experts and representatives from over 80 countries.
During their four-party discussions, the ministers explored concrete mechanisms for judicial cooperation. Key areas included the fight against transnational crime, terrorism, and cybercrime, as well as the exchange of legal expertise. The stated objective is to initiate a structured partnership between the Russian Federation and the AES, with a memorandum of understanding currently being prepared, to be followed by a comprehensive cooperation program.
Minister Kassogué’s delegation underscored the formality of the discussions, as he was accompanied by his National Director of Judicial Affairs and the Seal, Mohamed Maouloud Najim. This meeting occurs amidst several notable integration milestones for the AES, including the adoption of a common flag on February 22, 2025, the establishment of a common passport since January, and ongoing preparations for a common parliamentary framework. Russia’s increasing presence reflects a growing alignment between Moscow and the Sahelian states, further evidenced by the AES-Russia ministerial consultations held in Moscow in April 2025.
At the Forum, Russian authorities, including President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Minister of Justice, reiterated the importance of developing a judicial space founded on mutual respect and sovereignty. Russia aims to provide expertise and institutional support through this novel multilateral partnership.
This groundbreaking meeting, the first of its kind with Russia, highlights the AES states’ determination to establish a unified judicial framework for addressing transnational issues. It aligns with a broader strategy of regionalizing legal frameworks, directly supporting the AES’s foundational goals of harmonizing legislative frameworks and consolidating shared judicial mechanisms.
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