Representing President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, the Minister for African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Niang, led the Senegalese delegation to the Third Russia-Africa Summit on 28 and 29 October 2026. In a world in the midst of a geopolitical recomposition, Dakar reaffirmed its line: to cooperate, but with respect for the sovereignty of States and African priorities.
Senegal was well present in Moscow. On 28 and 29 October, the Russian capital hosted the third Russia-Africa Summit and the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, two meetings to review the state and prospects of cooperation between Moscow and the continent.
The head of Senegalese diplomacy, Sheikh Niang, led the country's delegation there. He represented the Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.
An appointment in a world that recomposes
The communiqué of Senegalese diplomacy presents the meeting as a « framework for consultation » on the future of the Russian-African partnership. It was held in an international context marked, according to the text, by the recomposition of geopolitical balances and the redefinition of priorities for cooperation between States.
The Moscow summit follows those of Sochi in 2019 and St Petersburg in 2023. It is part of Moscow's strategy to consolidate its relations with a continent courted by many powers. For African countries, it offers another opportunity to diversify their partnerships.
Peace, security, energy: a broad agenda
The work covered several areas: peace and security, economic development, investment and food security. The discussions also covered prospects for cooperation in energy and technology.
They led to the adoption of a plan of action of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum for the period 2027-2029. This document should structure the lines of cooperation for the next three years. Its detailed content was not specified in the Dakar communiqué.
The Dakar Line: Sovereignty and Mutual Respect
Through its participation, Senegal reaffirmed its commitment to an international partnership based on mutual respect, State sovereignty and the consideration of African priorities. Dakar says it wants a balanced cooperation with prospects for sustainable development.
This vocabulary is consistent with the discourse of sovereignty that Senegal has been defending for several years in its external relations. It is a matter of dialogue with all partners without locking up in one camp.
It remains to be seen how this action plan 2027-2029 will translate into concrete projects, financing and benefits for Senegal's local economies. It is to the test of the acts that the balance claimed in Moscow will be judged.
