TWTW Note

CWA # 1736
TWTW Note
Russia and Mali bilateral agreements:
The growing presence of Russia in Mali

The World This Week #317 Vol 7, No 26, 29 June 2025

Santhiya M
29 June 2025
Photo Source: AFP/BBC

The following note was earlier published in The World This Week #317 Vol 7, No 26, 29 June 2025

Russia and Mali bilateral agreements: 
The growing presence of Russia in Mali
Santhiya M 

What happened? 
On 22 June, Mali's President Assimi Goïta reached Moscow upon an official invitation from Russia's President Vladimir Putin. This five-day official visit aimed at reinforcing better bilateral ties.

On 23 June, three agreements were signed in the presence of the presidents of both countries. Both the countries decided to establish an Intergovernmental Russia-Mali Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and enhance cooperation on the peaceful use of atomic energy. President Putin stated that bilateral relations have a "good upward trend," although bilateral trade is currently "modest." Further, he stated that geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics and humanitarian fields would be potential areas of future cooperation. 

What is the background?
First, a brief history of Mali. In 2021, former Vice President and now interim President Assimi Goïta overthrew the then government and arrested former transitional President Bah N’daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. As a result of it, tensions in the northern part of the country escalated  and people demanded  the former president Bah N’daw to step down. It is also claimed that the coup took place because the president and the prime minister were planning to reshuffle the portfolios of the government without contacting the then Vice President, Assimi Goita. Mali is endowed with the wealth of natural resources like gold, uranium, diamonds, copper, iron ore and more.

Second, relations between Russia and Mali. In 1960, Russia recognized the independence of Mali  which led to the establishment of diplomatic relations began. In 1961, both countries signed trade and cultural agreements. Russia has supported Mali in terms of arming and training of the security force. Mali is now constructing a gold refinery in partnership with Russia's Yadran Group and a Swiss investment company. President Goïta has stated that Mali would refine gold domestically as it has been exporting gold for refining and sale to other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Switzerland since 1980. It is expected to increase the annual gold production four times. Both countries are also looking construct  a low-power nuclear power plant which would be designed by Russia..

Third, Russia’s role in internal security of Mali.coup. During the coup of 2021, Mali’s coup leaders sought assistance from Russia. The Wagner Group began its operations in Mali to assist the Mali's army in controlling the violence. On 6 June, Wagner Group declared its withdrawal from Mali and claimed that it brought all regional capital under Mali's government, eliminated key perpetrators of violence and killed militants. It announced the "completion of its main mission" in Mali. But, the withdrawal does not mean Mali would not have Russian mercenaries. Africa Corps, a paramilitary force backed by the Kremlin, is going to operate in Mali with Russian fighters. It has announced that it will be operating at a more "fundamental level." The country is facing violence allegedly perpetrated by the Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

What does it mean?
First, Russia’s benefits from the recently signed agreements. The agreements signed would possibly lead to enhancement of economic ties between Russia and  Mali especially in areas of geological exploration and natural resource development as the latter is rich in minerals. Relationship with Mali also helps Russia in expanding its interaction with other African countries.
 
Second,Mali’s benefits from the recently signed agreements.. The agreements would increase the inflow of foreign investments in Mali especially after it left ECOWAS and western powers are withdrawing from the country. The agreements would help in utilising of Mali’s natural resources like gold for economic development. The cooperation on nuclear energy for peaceful purposes would bring in sustainability in Mali.
 

About the Author
Santhiya. M is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College. Her research interests include China, Maritime Security, Climate Change and Gender Studies.


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