Putin Discusses Security Cooperation with Leaders from West and Central Africa

Both Mali and Russia reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call today, Wednesday, with Assimi Goita, the head of the ruling military council in Mali, discussing security and economic cooperation. Goita stated on the social media platform X, "We discussed common issues, particularly in the security and economic fields. We agreed to increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism." The Kremlin confirmed the call and noted that the two leaders agreed to strengthen relations. This follows a similar phone call that Putin made with the military council leader in neighboring Niger the day before. In recent years, Mali has become one of Russia's closest allies in Africa, with armed groups affiliated with the Wagner Group operating in the country to combat jihadist rebels in the Sahel region.