Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, has arrived in Moscow for a five-day official visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking another major step in the deepening strategic alliance between the two countries. Goïta’s visit comes just days ahead of the Russia–Africa Summit, and is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in security, energy, infrastructure, and trade. According to Malian state media, the agenda includes high-level meetings with Russian defense and economic officials, aimed at consolidating support for Mali’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts and exploring investment in mining, transport, and electricity generation.
In a statement issued upon his arrival, Goïta underscored the importance of diversifying Mali’s partnerships, especially amid what his government describes as repeated “failures and interference” by former Western allies, particularly France and the European Union. Mali severed military cooperation with France in 2022 and expelled the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA) in 2023, accusing both of undermining national sovereignty.
Over the past two years, Russia has emerged as one of Mali’s closest military and political partners, supplying arms, military trainers, and reportedly deploying Wagner Group operatives to support government troops in the fight against jihadist insurgents. Russian officials have welcomed the partnership as part of Moscow’s broader effort to boost its influence in Africa, positioning itself as an alternative to Western powers. The Kremlin is expected to offer Mali expanded security assistance and access to low-cost energy infrastructure, including potential support for solar and nuclear projects.
Goïta’s Moscow trip also reflects a broader realignment in the Sahel region, where countries such as Burkina Faso and Niger—also governed by military-led transitions—have similarly shifted away from Western alliances and forged closer ties with Russia. Analysts say the visit could result in new bilateral agreements and further cement Mali’s pivot eastward. However, critics warn that the growing dependence on Moscow comes with long-term political and economic risks, including reduced oversight and potential isolation from multilateral Western institutions.
As Mali prepares for delayed elections and faces continuing insecurity in the north and central regions, the outcome of Goïta’s visit may signal the country’s next phase of international engagement—and redefine the nature of foreign influence in West Africa.
