Mali and Russia have signed a number of agreements aimed at strengthening trade and other relations between the two countries.

The announcement came during a visit by the leader of the Malian military junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, to the Russian capital, Moscow.

Since seizing power in 2021 Goita has moved closer to Russia, while loosening ties with former colonial power, France.

This has been part of a regional pattern, with Niger and Burkina Faso – which are also governed by the military – also seeking closer ties with Russia.

Russian troops have supported Mali against jihadists in recent times, after the expulsion of French and UN troops.


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