MOSCOW. Dec 18 (Interfax) - Russian General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov said Ukraine supports certain terrorist organizations that pose a special threat to the security of Sahel countries in Africa.
"Terrorist organizations supported by Ukraine pose a special threat to the Sahel region's security. This includes training terrorists to use unmanned aerial vehicles and engage in sabotage activities against civilians," Gerasimov said at a briefing for foreign military attaches on Wednesday.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States last September to promote regional security and enhance control over their national territories, Gerasimov said. In January 2024, these countries withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprised of 15 countries because of its inability to provide support in fighting terrorism, he said.
"For our part, we will continue to provide support to our partners in Africa in defending their sovereignty and ensuring safe conditions for their development," he said.
He described the situation in Africa as "remaining complicated."
"This is because Western countries still take neocolonial approaches, seeing the continent exclusively as a source of strategic raw materials. Such approaches do not enjoy support and understanding these days. The West keeps losing its positions in that region, as increasingly more African countries start fighting for independence," he said.