Mali’s ruling junta on Thursday received a batch of eight warplanes and two helicopters from Russia, the latest in a series of deliveries received in recent months, reported The France 24.
According to an AFP report, the ceremony was attended by Colonel Assimi Goita, the head of Mali’s junta, and Russian ambassador Igor Gromyko.
Mali’s Air Force Chief General Alou Boi Diarra hailed the deliveries from Russia as the latest stage in the “unprecedented” modernisation of the country’s forces. The Malin military said the shipment included Sukhoi Su-25 attack planes designed to support ground troops; and the Czech-designed Albatros L-39.
Initially designed for training purposes, L-39s have also been used as attack aircraft.
Bamako also received Mi-8s, a Soviet-designed Russian transport helicopter that, as well as transporting troops and equipment, can be fitted with weapons to defend ground troops.
Malian officials did not give details of how many of each aircraft had been delivered. They said that they purchased the weapons from Russia, but refused to release any detail of the transactions.
Thursday’s delivery of warplanes and helicopters is the latest in a series of similar deliveries of military equipment from Russia, following others in March and August, 2022.
Mali’s government has been struggling to control a militant insurgency as well as a political and humanitarian crisis since 2012. After the military leaders currently in power staged their 2020 coup, relations with France quickly broke down and Russia has stepped in to fill the void.
According to multiple reports, Mali’s junta started bringing in paramilitaries from the Russian group Wagner in late 2021, provoking criticism from several countries.
The military rulers have denied the allegations, saying that the junta has simply revived longstanding links with Russia and its army. The junta also claims that it is now taking the fight to the militant groups’ active in the country.
