Mali’s Goïta visits Moscow as Russia’s Africa corps replaces Wagner

Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, arrived in Moscow on Sunday for a five-day official visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as both nations look to deepen strategic ties ahead of the upcoming Russia–Africa Summit.

The visit marks a significant moment in Mali-Russia relations, with discussions expected to center on enhanced cooperation in security, energy, and transport.

Goïta, who seized power through successive coups in 2020 and 2021, has led Mali through a sharp foreign policy shift—breaking from Western allies and strengthening ties with Moscow.

His visit comes amid growing domestic repression, with the junta recently dissolving all political parties and extending Goïta’s rule for at least another five years, despite previous commitments to democratic elections.

A major focus of the visit is security collaboration.

Russia’s newly formed Africa Corps, seen as the successor to the Wagner paramilitary group, has now fully taken over operations in Mali, supporting government forces in their battle against jihadist insurgents affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaeda.

Wagner had played a key role in Mali’s counterinsurgency efforts before its gradual replacement.

The transition to the Africa Corps signals Moscow’s continued influence in the Sahel region, despite global scrutiny of its mercenary networks.

Goïta’s Moscow trip underscores Mali’s growing alignment with Russia and highlights a broader trend of African military regimes seeking alternative partnerships amid strained relations with Western powers.