Description: Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the interim President of the junta – led Mali, General Assimi Goita, in Moscow, as they discussed the strengthening of bilateral strategic ties and future economic cooperation. Goita stated that Mali and Russia had close ties and joint interests and visions in constructing the future of the Sahel region in several sectors such as energy, transportation, infrastructure, defense, security and culture. Putin and Goita reportedly discussed the potential for developing a civilian nuclear power plant in Mali under Russian supervision which would enable Mali substantial access to a new venue for energy stability. Russia and Mali recently extended their bilateral cooperation with the construction of a gold refinery sponsored by Russian state – owned company.
Impact: Russia continues to devise extensive strategic ties within the resource – rich countries of the Sahel throughout various streamlines of cooperation and influence operations. The country’s Wagner Group recently exited Mali and left its successor, the Africa Corps, to assume operations signifying continued presence in the region in the long – term. The highly dangerous Sahel region is plagued by terrorist attacks and militant groups or offshoots which significantly aggravate the security risks across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Russia has established a firm foothold of influence within the three junta – led states, despite recent reports which indicated that Wagner was extensively involved in various dehumanizing atrocities in Mali and Burkina Faso. The resource rich Sahel region represents a strategic launchpad for future extension of Russian national interests within the African continent, facing no opposition from other global actors such as the US and Europe.