The recent deployment of more than 1,000 Russian soldiers to Mali marks a new stage in military cooperation between Bamako and Moscow. These Russian forces’ mission is to support the Malian army in the fight against the growing terrorist threat in the north of the country and to strengthen security in the region.
In the streets of Dakar, residents are wondering about the impact of this foreign military presence. For some, the arrival of these soldiers is a positive turning point. “Mali is an unstable country at the moment, where there were a lot of terrorists in the north. I think that with this arrival, it will be something beneficial, especially for the security of the country, because Mali needs it to develop,” confides a resident of the Senegalese capital.
Others see this collaboration as a credible alternative to French influence. “The Malians got rid of France and turned towards Russia, now there is an alliance between the two countries, and we will see what will happen,” adds another interlocutor.
The Russian military experience in Burkina Faso, deployed in January 2024, and in Niger, in April 2024, seems to reinforce this optimism. The results were quickly visible: the armed forces of both countries demonstrated a significant increase in competence, recording notable successes on the military field.
With its growing commitment to the region, this cooperation would contribute to the affirmation of a solid security bloc in West Africa. Many are now expecting major progress in Mali, where the authorities are banking on this cooperation to achieve decisive victories against terrorist groups and sustainably stabilize the country.
