Mali’s military junta on Monday received a new shipment of military equipment from Russia after the European Union (EU) suspended its military training program with the Sahel nation, reported Africa News.
A statement released by the Malian presidency confirmed that Mali’s armed forces chief, Maj Gen Oumar Diarra, received two combat helicopters and surveillance radars from Russia.
The official Twitter account of Mali’s presidency posted a video showing the equipment as it was delivered by a Russian cargo flight at the airport in the capital Bamako. The posting described the gear as Mi-24P helicopters, fourth-generation radars and other combat equipment.
Mr. Diarra described Russian support to Mali as a manifestation of a very fruitful partnership.
Last month, Mali received two Russian combat helicopters and radars, “Mil Mi-35P attack helicopters” and “59N6-TE mobile radar systems” shortly after reports that its defence minister and air force chief visited Moscow.
The Malian state media hailed Russian support for Mali in counter-insurgency operations.
Mali has defended its relations with Russia after international backlash over a decision to deploy mercenaries from the controversial Wagner paramilitary firm in December. Mali and Russia’s growing closeness triggered the ongoing withdrawal of European troops and France’s Operation Barkhane forces under the Takuba Task Force.
Mali’s army and its supporting Wagner fighters have been linked to allegations of gross human rights abuses in joint counter-insurgency operations in the last few months. But Mali continues to deny the allegations. Mali’s ruling government regularly defends the rights record of its military and has also repeatedly denied hiring Wagner operatives.
Last Wednesday, visiting German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned in Bamako that European forces would not cooperate with Mali’s military while it maintains such links with Russia. The minister pressed Mali’s transitional government to pave way for fair elections and cease working with Russian military contractors in order to fully reactivate the European Union’s training of the country’s armed forces.
