The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to visit Moscow this week, marking a significant step in the Sahel nations' efforts to deepen their ties with Russia. The meeting, scheduled for April 3 and 4, will see the ministers meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, as the junta-led governments seek to establish strategic partnerships with non-Western nations.

This development comes as the three West African nations, all governed by military juntas that came to power through recent coups, have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and established the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The move is seen as a shift towards self-reliance and a desire to build partnerships with nations outside of the Western sphere of influence.

The Sahel region has been plagued by a jihadist insurgency for over 13 years, originating in Mali before spreading across the southern Sahara. Groups affiliated with both Islamic State and al-Qaeda have been responsible for the deaths of numerous people in the region. The junta-led governments have expelled French and other Western forces, shifting their military cooperation towards Russia in recent years.

The upcoming visit to Moscow has been described as the first session of "AES-Russia consultations," signaling a formal step in deepening ties between the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and Russia. The meeting is expected to focus on establishing strategic, pragmatic, dynamic, and supportive cooperation and partnership relations in areas of common interest between the AES and Russia.

The shift towards Russia is seen as a significant development in the region, as the Sahel nations seek to diversify their partnerships and reduce their dependence on Western nations. This move is likely to have implications for the region's security, economy, and politics, as the AES nations seek to chart their own course in the face of ongoing instability.

The visit also highlights the growing influence of Russia in the region, as the country seeks to expand its presence in Africa. Russia has been actively engaged in the region, providing military support and training to the Sahel nations, and has been a vocal critic of Western intervention in the region.

As the Sahel nations deepen their ties with Russia, it remains to be seen how this will impact the region's relationships with Western nations. However, one thing is clear: the visit marks a significant shift in the region's geopolitical landscape, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the future of the Sahel region.