🤝 Mali Deepens Ties with Russia Through Trade, Nuclear Energy & Security Pacts
Mali and Russia have signed a comprehensive series of agreements aimed at ramping up trade, expanding strategic cooperation, and reinforcing military and nuclear energy ties, the Kremlin confirmed Monday.
The deals were unveiled during a high-profile visit by Mali’s junta leader Col Assimi Goïta to Moscow, where he held two hours of closed-door talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
🔋 Energy and Nuclear Collaboration
At the heart of the agreements is a pledge to strengthen collaboration on nuclear energy. Discussions included the construction of a Russian-designed nuclear power plant in Mali—part of a broader strategy to address chronic energy deficits in the West African nation.
President Putin called current trade figures between the two countries “modest” but noted a growing trajectory, with cooperation now set to extend into geological exploration, logistics, and humanitarian sectors.
💬 “A Spirit of Mutual Trust”
“This official visit will contribute to further deepening our relationship in a spirit of mutual trust and respect for sovereignty,” said Col Goïta, adding that Mali is committed to enhancing bilateral ties across "many sectors."
Goïta also expressed gratitude for the “warm welcome” received in Russia, affirming that Mali sees Moscow as a strategic ally in its economic and security plans.
🪖 Military Muscle: A Persistent Pillar
Military cooperation remains a cornerstone of the Russia-Mali relationship. Russian troops and mercenaries have filled the vacuum left by France and the UN, both of whom pulled out after years of failing to stabilize Mali's insurgency-ridden north and central regions.
Though the infamous Wagner Group has withdrawn, a new force dubbed the "Africa Corps" now operates in Mali under Russian command, continuing Moscow’s security footprint on the ground.
🛡️ “Security and Sovereignty” – Russia’s Defense Mandate
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, in separate talks with Malian Defense Minister Sadio Camara, emphasized that the core objective of their military partnership is to "achieve practical results in enhancing security and sovereignty."
“This approach,” Belousov said, “is the key to any success and victory.”
Despite these promises, Mali continues to struggle with escalating violence from jihadist groups, sparking criticism over the military government's effectiveness since the 2021 coup.