Mali Receives More Military Equipment From Russia

The Malian government says it has received another batch of military equipment from Russia, after the European Union suspended its military training programme with the Sahel nation.

“We are receiving this second batch of military equipment from Russia. This is the manifestation of a very fruitful partnership with the Russian state,” read a statement from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces.

According to Mali’s armed forces Chief Major Gen Oumar Diarra, they received two combat helicopters and surveillance radars.

Diarra has termed Russia’s support to Mali as a “manifestation of the very fruitful partnership”.

This is after Mali in March received two Russian-made combat helicopters and radars.

Mali has continued to defend relations with Russia, after international backlash over a decision to deploy mercenaries from the controversial Wagner paramilitary firm in December.

This however triggered the ongoing withdrawal of France’s Operation Barkhane forces and European troops under the Takuba Task Force.

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