MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the possibility of supplying Mali with food, fertilizer and fuel during a telephone call on Friday with Mali’s interim leader Asimi Goyta. According to a Kremlin statement.
Goita said on Twitter that the two leaders had discussed Russia’s support for Mali’s political transition.
Goita’s military junta, which came to power in a coup two years ago, has repeatedly been at odds with neighbors and the West over delayed elections, allegations of military abuse and cooperation with Russian mercenaries in fighting Islamist insurgency. have been in conflict.
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The West African country deepened its ties with Soviet-era Russia as relations with its longtime ally and former colonial ruler France soured this year.
“We discussed the Russian Federation’s support for Mali’s political transition and applauded the quality of our partnership in respecting Mali’s sovereignty and the aspirations of its people,” Goyta tweeted.
In February, France announced it would withdraw its troops from Mali after nearly a decade of fighting armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State that have spread across the Sahel region.
Fighters from the Wagner Group, a private military company affiliated with the Kremlin, have been helping Malian forces fight since late last year.read more
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Reported by Reuters. Additional report by Nellie Peyton at Dakar.Editing by Kevin Liffey and Mark Potter
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