Mali and Russia have taken a significant step towards strengthening their economic and trade ties, with the signing of several agreements on Monday. The agreements, which include a cooperation deal on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, were announced by the Kremlin following a meeting between Mali’s interim president, Assimi Goïta, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The two leaders met during Goïta’s five-day official visit to Russia, which began on Sunday. In addition to the nuclear energy deal, they also signed an agreement on the creation of an Intergovernmental Russia-Mali Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. This commission is expected to play a key role in promoting bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.
According to Putin, the trade numbers between Russia and Mali may be modest, but they are showing a positive trend. He also highlighted the potential for cooperation in areas such as geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics, and humanitarian projects. Goïta echoed these sentiments, stating that the agreements demonstrate the effectiveness and trust between the two countries.
The visit comes at a time when Russia is seeking to increase its influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. Countries in the region have been turning to Russia for help in fighting jihadist groups, and the Kremlin has announced plans to boost economic and military cooperation with African countries.
In recent weeks, attacks against military facilities have escalated in Mali, with the al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) killing dozens of soldiers in an attack on a military base. The visit also follows the departure of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner from Mali, which had been deployed in the country since December 2021 and had been accused of human rights abuses. Wagner has been replaced by the Africa Corps, an organization managed by the Russian government.
The agreements signed between Mali and Russia are seen as a significant development in the bilateral relations between the two countries. With the establishment of the Intergovernmental Russia-Mali Commission, the two countries are expected to increase trade and investment, and cooperate in areas such as energy, logistics, and humanitarian projects. As the Sahel region continues to face security challenges, the partnership between Mali and Russia is likely to play an important role in shaping the region’s future.
