Malian military leader General Assimi Goita met with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, declaring his intention to deepen cooperation with Russia, a key partner in the West African country’s fight against jihadism.
Goita, who seized power through successive coups in 2020 and 2021, has pivoted Mali away from its former colonial power France and toward stronger ties with Moscow. His visit, which began on Sunday and is expected to last several days, comes amid Mali’s ongoing struggle to contain a decade-long Islamist insurgency.
“I am convinced this visit will serve to reinforce our relations,” Goita told Putin at the Kremlin, expressing interest in expanding collaboration across defence, transportation, and economic sectors.
Putin, welcoming Goita, said it was a “great pleasure” to host him and highlighted “good prospects” for further cooperation in areas such as energy, logistics, and natural resources.
The meeting was attended by high-level officials including Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, Deputy Defence Minister Yunnus-bek Yevkurov, and the foreign ministers of both countries. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov also held separate talks with Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara.
“Our partnership must focus on practical outcomes that enhance Mali’s security and sovereignty. This is the key to lasting success and victory,” Belousov stated.
Goita’s visit follows the withdrawal of Wagner Group mercenaries from Mali, who had been assisting the army in its counterinsurgency efforts since 2021. They are being replaced by the Kremlin-backed Africa Corps, a newly formed force aimed at continuing Russia’s military footprint in the region.
The trip also comes in the wake of Mali’s formal withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier in 2025, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, further solidifying the junta-led nation’s break with Western-aligned institutions.
AFP
