Русский
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has been holding talks with the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Dakar. The sides discussed joint projects in energy, mining and processing of minerals, the Russian Foreign Ministry has stated, adding “The issues of increasing trade and economic and investment partnership volumes, improving the contractual and legal framework, and implementing promising joint projects in the fields of geological exploration, extraction and processing of minerals, energy, fisheries, and agriculture were thoroughly examined.”
Bogdanov also held talks with Yassine Fall, the Senegalese minister of African integration and foreign affairs. A comprehensive set of issues related to the further strengthening of friendly Russian-Senegalese relations was discussed in detail. Senegal has expressed interest in joining the BRICS group.
Emphasis was placed on the sustainable development of Russian-African cooperation in light of the results of the second Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg last summer. Additionally, the two sides discussed the preparations for the upcoming ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum, set to take place in Sochi in November.
Alongside representatives of the Senegalese government, Bogdanov participated in the ceremonial official opening of the headquarters of the ‘Russia-Africa-Eurasia’ Chamber of Commerce and Investment in Dakar, aimed at partnering with the Russian NGO ‘Coordinating Committee for Economic Cooperation with African Countries’.
Concerning African regional issues, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appointed the Senegalese President to mediate a dialogue with the military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger with the aim of returning stability to the region after the three Sahal countries left the ECOWAS bloc in January. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, visited them all earlier this year after they overthrew their colonial-era relationships with France amongst concerns that ECOWAS was corrupt and far too under Parisian influence.
Omar Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission, announced that Senegalese President Faye, who became Africa’s youngest leader when he took office in April, “has all the qualifications required to serve as a facilitator.” ECOWAS now effectively includes Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Guinea is also a member but has also been suspended.
Russia will want to see ECOWAS remain secure and will be looking to assist with a smooth transition out of the bloc for the three Sahel states. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have instead announced a confederation of three Sahel states to replace their membership of ECOWAS and have adopted a joint statement for a treaty to set up the “Alliance of Sahel States’ Confederation” Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso, announced last week. He stated that “The AES (Alliance of Sahel States) is full of enormous natural potential which, if properly exploited, will guarantee a better future for the people of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.”
The three countries, with a combined population of 72 million, are affected by instability caused by militant groups. The trio is expected to cooperate on security issues and form closer economic ties.
Both ECOWAS and the AES are now looking for Russian support and assistance in security, military and trade alliances.
