Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visit to Mali ended on Tuesday, 7 February. During his stay, the head of the Russian diplomacy was received by the head of the Malian junta, Colonel Assimi Goïta. He promised his country would help Mali and other Sahel countries fighting the jihadists.
As a souvenir of his visit, Lavrov received a sword from the hands of his Malian counterpart. This is a reference to the leaving of the French forces whose operation name in the region was 'Sabre.'
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 military equipment to Bamako and dispatched hundreds of men to the conflict-torn region. According to the official version, these forces are military instructors. In the Western countries' view, they are perceived as mercenaries of Wagner, a private security group.
Russia is considering taking further steps in the region. 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.