TIME.CO, Jakarta – Mali to say Russia it will provide approximately $ 100 million worth of fuel, fertilizer and food in the coming weeks.
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This was revealed on Wednesday by the minister of the economy of the West African country, Alousseini Sanou, as reported by Reuters Thursday 3 November 2022.
Speaking on national television from Moscow, Sanou said Russia will send 60,000 tons of petroleum products, 30,000 tons of fertilizer and 25,000 tons of grain.
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed providing such supplies with the President of Mali in August. A sign of ever closer ties as Bamako’s relationship soured with his old ally and former colonial ruler, France.
Mali’s ruling military junta rose to power in a coup in 2020. They have repeatedly argued with neighboring countries and the West about postponement of elections, alleged abuses by the army, cooperation with Russian mercenaries in the his battle against an Islamist insurrection.
The Wagner Army Group, a private military company linked to the Kremlin, has been supporting the Malian army in its struggle since late last year.
In October, Putin told the interim president of Mali, Assimi Goita Fly committed to strengthening cooperation to help eradicate “terrorist groups” in Mali.
Read also: French troops withdraw, Russian troops enter Mali
REUTERS
