Amid lingering tensions with three recalcitrant nations in the Sahel, the West African regional bloc Ecowas is the target of a charm offensive by Moscow.
Russia has reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as part of its 2023–2026 Russia-Africa Partnership Action Plan, despite a growing rift which culminated in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger quitting the grouping.
Speaking in an interview with New Eastern Outlook on Monday, Tatiana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department for African Partnerships at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Moscow is focusing on deepening institutional relations with regional bodies like ECOWAS, the East African Community (EAC), IGAD, COMESA, SADC, and ECCAS.
“This approach aims to build structured and long-lasting partnerships that can foster deeper economic and political cooperation,” she said, highlighting a qualitative shift in Russia-Africa relations following decades of relative disengagement after the Soviet era.
The renewed interest in ECOWAS comes as Russia consolidates strategic ties with the Sahel states that have exited the bloc—citing concerns over perceived French influence.
These developments underscore the evolving geopolitical landscape in West Africa and reflect competing visions of regional integration and sovereignty.
Dovgalenko also noted Russia’s instrumental role in securing the African Union’s permanent seat in the G20 in September 2023, bolstering the continent’s collective voice on global issues. Additionally, West African giant like Nigeria recently joined BRICS as a partner country, demonstrating growing interest in multipolar cooperation.
According to the Russian diplomat, Moscow envisions a “more democratic and equitable world order” where African nations enjoy greater sovereignty and agency.
She reaffirmed Russia’s determination to support its African partners through strategic development projects and critical infrastructure initiatives across the continent.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA