Moscow welcomes the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States

Ouagadougou: The creation of the Confederation of Sahel States will have a positive impact on regional security and should contribute to the fight against terrorist groups. This was stated by the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, reported by Tass.On July 6, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger established the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States to seal their common destiny on issues of territorial defense and strategic interests.'We believe that this initiative of the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger fully meets the interests of the people of these states, and we are convinced that the creation of the confederation will have a positive impact on the formation of a new architecture of regional security,' she told Tass.Ms. Zakharova noted that Russia considered the creation of this confederation 'as an important step in finding ways to resolve common problems in the fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel-Sahel strip as well as in achieving sustainable devel opment.'The Russian diplomat added that Moscow confirmed its intention to continue providing the necessary support to the Sahel states and to develop mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with these countries.Niger, Mali and Burkina have previously decided to withdraw from ECOWAS, judging this sub-regional organization excluded from its missions and exploited by foreign powers, notably France.Source: Burkina Information Agency