Goïta asks Russia for intelligence and surveillance tools
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune and Bénin Web TV
Mali’s transitional president Assimi Goïta asked Russia to share intelligence and provide equipment to monitor Malian territory. He also wants to open cybersecurity cooperation, although no agreement was announced during his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 30 October 2026, according to La Nouvelle Tribune and Bénin Web TV. The requests were made on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa summit, according to Bénin Web TV.
Assimi Goïta said closer ties with Moscow were necessary in the face of geopolitical upheaval and praised the Russian forces present alongside Mali, according to La Nouvelle Tribune and Bénin Web TV. He also thanked Russia for its support for the countries of the Confederation of Sahel States, which brings together Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Vladimir Putin recalled that the fundamental agreement between the two countries had entered into force in May 2026, as well as their 66 years of diplomatic relations, according to La Nouvelle Tribune. Discussions covered civil nuclear power, solar energy, electricity grids, technical training and the local processing of mining resources.
The move follows Goïta’s official visit to Moscow in June 2025. Received at the Kremlin on 23 June, he had then expressed a wish to strengthen cooperation in transport, the economy and defence, while Vladimir Putin had referred to prospects in energy, natural resources and logistics, Bénin Web TV reports. Three agreements were signed, including a security and military cooperation agreement providing for training, the supply of equipment and operational support. Bamako officially acknowledges the presence of Africa Corps, a structure attached to the Russian Defence Ministry, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.
