By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Leader of Malian junta government, General Assimi Goita, on Monday met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where he told the Russian leader that he wants to “reinforce” ties with the Kremlin, a key partner of the West African nation fighting against activities of jihadists.
Mali, alongside junta-led Niger Republic and Burkina Faso, exited West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the body of being subservient to former colonial powers, France.
“I am convinced this visit will be an occasion to reinforce our relations,” Goita told Putin in the Kremlin.
Under General Goita, who came to power after coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali has steered away from France, forming closer ties with Moscow.
Goita’s visit comes as Mali struggles to contain the country’s long-running jihadist threat.
The visit is aimed at expanding cooperation with Moscow in “defence, transport, the economy,” Goita, who arrived in Moscow on Sunday, stated. He is meant to stay most of the week.
Russia has for years sought to expand its influence in Africa, in particular through the rise of mercenaries sponsored by the Kremlin.
Putin said it was a “great pleasure” to host the African junta chief in Moscow.
“There are good prospects (for developing ties) in natural resources, energy, logistics,” the longtime Russian President said.
Russia’s energy minister Sergei Tsivilev, deputy defence minister Yunnus-bek Yevkurov, and the foreign ministers of both countries attended the meeting.
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held separate talks with his Malian counterpart, Sadio Camara.
“The priority task of our partnership is to achieve practical results in enhancing security and sovereignty. This approach is the key to any success and victory,” Belousov said.
Goita’s visit comes shortly after Russia’s Wagner group, whose mercenaries had been involved in the Malian army’s anti-jihadist campaign since 2021, announced it would leave the country, to be replaced by its successor, Africa Corps.
