Russia signed a series of agreements on Monday aimed at deepening economic and trade cooperation with Mali, as President Vladimir Putin hosted Colonel Assimi Goita, the head of Mali’s military junta, at the Kremlin. According to Russian state media, the two leaders held a two-hour meeting focused on expanding bilateral relations.
While acknowledging that current trade between Moscow and Bamako remains limited, Putin emphasised growing momentum in the partnership.
“There are good areas for future cooperation: these are geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics and the humanitarian fields,” he said, as quoted in an official Kremlin statement. He also noted that relations with Mali were showing a “good upward trend.”
Among the agreements signed was a pact on nuclear energy cooperation, underscoring previous discussions between the two countries about a “strategic project” to construct a Russian-designed, low-power nuclear power plant in Mali, the Kremlin added.
The energy deal comes as Mali intensifies efforts to assert control over its vast natural wealth. Earlier this month, construction began on a new gold refinery backed by Russia. Goita, who came to power after military coups in 2020 and 2021, has said the facility will help Mali “gain greater control over its natural resources.”
Despite being one of Africa’s largest gold producers, Mali currently lacks a certified, fully operational refinery.
Russia’s influence in Mali extends beyond infrastructure. Moscow has provided military support to Goita’s government through private security deployments, notably after the expulsion of French and United Nations forces who had spent over a decade battling Islamist insurgents in the region.
Though the Wagner Group—Russia’s controversial mercenary outfit—announced its withdrawal from Mali earlier this month, Russian presence remains. The Kremlin-aligned African Corps continues to operate in the country.
