Russia expands Sahel influence with strategic humanitarian aid

Russia is deepening ties with military-led governments in the Sahel by ramping up humanitarian aid, Business Insider Africa reports. Moscow has delivered 709.5 tons of assistance to Burkina Faso and is preparing a 20,000-ton wheat shipment to Niger, part of a broader effort to expand its influence as Western engagement wanes.

Russian officials reportedly say further aid is possible, pending presidential approval. The initiative follows similar shipments to six African countries in 2023 and reflects a strategy to position Russia as a reliable partner amid shifting global alliances.

The move comes as U.S. aid to Africa declines due to changing priorities and budget constraints. Russia, a major grain exporter, has used wheat to project soft power, while China has leveraged development and health investments.

Both powers are promoting aid as flexible and non-conditional—an approach increasingly attractive to African governments navigating post-Western alignments.