ECOWAS, Russia Deepen Strategic Alliance as Touray Meets Lavrov in Cairo on Terrorism, Elections. By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its strategic partnership with the Russian Federation, as the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, participated in the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum held in Cairo from 19–20 December 2025.
On the margins of the high-level conference, Dr. Touray held a bilateral meeting with Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sergey Lavrov, underscoring a renewed commitment by both parties to deepen cooperation amid evolving political and security dynamics in West Africa.
Discussions between the two leaders focused on regional peace and security, with particular attention to counter-terrorism efforts and electoral governance reforms across the ECOWAS sub-region.
Dr. Touray briefed the Russian side on recent political developments, including ongoing democratic transitions, electoral processes, and the growing threat posed by violent extremist groups.
According to ECOWAS President, the engagement reflects the Commission’s broader diplomatic strategy to expand partnerships that reinforce regional stability, democratic institutions, and economic integration.
Minister Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to support ECOWAS’ regional integration agenda, highlighting Moscow’s interest in collaboration across peace and security architecture, critical infrastructure development, and private-sector driven growth. He also welcomed the recent establishment of the ECOWAS Business Council, describing it as a timely platform to boost trade, investment, and enterprise linkages between West Africa and Russian businesses.
Both sides emphasized the importance of multilateral dialogue and mutual respect in addressing Africa’s security and development challenges, while agreeing to sustain high-level engagements to translate political commitments into practical cooperation.
The Cairo meeting further positions ECOWAS as a key continental bloc engaging global partners on equal footing, as the region navigates complex security pressures while pursuing democratic consolidation and inclusive economic growth.
