Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goita, landed in Moscow on Sunday for a working visit expected to include a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
The trip marks a continued shift in Mali’s foreign alliances under Goita, who seized power through two coups in 2020 and 2021. Since then, the country has distanced itself from Western powers—especially former colonial ruler France—and pursued deeper ties with Russia.
State broadcaster ORTM reported that Goita’s visit will run through 26 June and will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as security, energy, and transport.
The meeting comes amid changes in Russia’s military presence in Mali. Wagner, the paramilitary group that has supported Malian forces since 2021, recently announced its withdrawal. Its replacement, Africa Corps, is expected to continue Russia’s operations on the ground, although Moscow maintains it has no direct control over either group.
