The President of the Transition in Mali, Assimi Goïta, held talks on April 28 with the Russian ambassador Igor Gromyko in Koulouba, marking his first public appearance since the coordinated attacks of April 25.
According to the presidency, discussions focused on the security situation and cooperation between Bamako and Moscow. The meeting comes in a tense context following the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara and renewed concerns over stability after attacks targeting key locations including Kati.
During the meeting, the Russian diplomat reaffirmed Moscow’s support in the fight against terrorism, highlighting joint operations between the Malian Armed Forces and Russian partners, including the Africa Corps.
The attacks have been attributed to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and the Front for the Liberation of Azawad. Meanwhile, reports of a withdrawal of Russian-backed forces from Kidal have raised questions about the situation on the ground, although authorities maintain that it remains under control.
Goïta’s reappearance ends days of speculation over his absence, but uncertainties persist regarding the extent of losses, command restructuring after Camara’s death, and the capacity of allied forces to regain momentum across multiple fronts.
