Mali’s transitional president and military ruler, General Assimi Goita, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in a bid to deepen ties between the two countries amid Mali’s ongoing fight against jihadist insurgents.
During talks at the Kremlin, Goita, who seized power through two military coups in 2020 and 2021, emphasized the need to “reinforce” bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of defence, transport, and the economy.
“I am convinced this visit will be an occasion to reinforce our relations,” Goita told Putin, as both leaders exchanged pleasantries in a formal meeting also attended by top officials from both nations.
Goita’s visit, which began on Sunday and is expected to last several days, comes as Mali continues to drift from traditional Western allies, especially France, and aligns itself more closely with Russia.
The visit also marks a new chapter in Mali-Russia relations following the recent withdrawal of Wagner mercenaries from the West African country.
Wagner forces, who were instrumental in Mali’s counter-insurgency operations, are now being replaced by a new Russian-backed unit known as Africa Corps.
Putin welcomed Goita warmly, saying there were “good prospects” for collaboration in natural resources, energy, and logistics.
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The Russian president hailed the talks as an opportunity to further Moscow’s growing footprint on the African continent.
Key figures at the meeting included Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, Deputy Defence Minister Yunnus-bek Yevkurov, and both countries’ foreign ministers.
In a separate meeting, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov met with Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara, stressing that “enhancing security and sovereignty” is the core of the partnership.
Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, formally withdrew from the regional bloc ECOWAS earlier in 2025, a move that underscored their shift toward alternative alliances, particularly with Russia.
Goita’s Kremlin visit is being closely watched as it may set the tone for deeper Russian engagement in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region where extremist violence and political instability persist.