In Bamako, Russia reaffirms its alliance with Mali and sees bigger in the Sahel

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shaking hands with his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop in Bamako on February 7, 2023. via REUTERS - RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Text by: RFI Follow

2 mins

The friendship and working visit to Mali by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ended on Tuesday 7 February.

During his stay of less than 24 hours, in addition to a working session with his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop, the head of Russian diplomacy was received by the head of the Malian junta, Colonel Assimi Goïta.

He promised his country's help in Mali and the countries of the Sahel against the jihadists.

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With our correspondent in the region

,

Serge Daniel 

As a souvenir of his visit to Mali, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Sergei Lavrov

, received from the hands of his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop, a magnificent sword.

Perhaps a nod to the new Russian partner chosen to the detriment of France: "Sabre" is the baptismal name of the French special forces who were forced to pack up in part of the Sahel.

During a press conference in Bamako, the head of Russian diplomacy repeatedly praised the new alliance announced between his country and Mali, as part of the fight against jihadism.

He promised Mali continued military support.

For nearly two years, Moscow has delivered important military equipment to Bamako and dispatched hundreds of men to the spot.

These are instructors according to the official version, but they are considered by several Western countries as

mercenaries of Wagner, a private security group

.

🇷🇺🇲🇱 FM Sergey Lavrov on the results of his meeting with Interim President of Mali Assimi Goïta:



💬 We discussed everything that affects the interests of Russia and Mali in drafting our development plans in line with interests of our peoples.



🔗 https://t.co/SddDLVNCDD pic.twitter.com/SFCylpxfvm

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) February 7, 2023

In the region, Russia is thinking bigger.

It also intends to help other countries in the Sahel and even beyond, in the context of the fight against terrorism and insecurity, said Sergei Lavrov.

He did not give further details, but his country's new Africa policy will be unveiled at the next Russia-Africa summit, to be held in July 2023 in Saint Petersburg.

Colonel Assimi Goïta

, president of the Malian transition who hardly travels abroad, has confirmed his participation in this meeting.

He received the Russian Foreign Minister during his brief stay in the Malian capital.

The President of the Transition, HE Colonel @GoitaAssimi, Head of State granted an audience to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei LAVROV, this Tuesday, in the palace of Koulouba.

pic.twitter.com/p01fGSiwFB

— Presidency Mali (@PresidenceMali) February 7, 2023

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  • mali

  • Russia

  • Diplomacy

  • Sergei Lavrov

  • Assimi Goita