Mali has been close to Russia politically, culturally, economically, and militarily since the 1960's.
Mali's welcomed Russian troops, including Wagner's, in the wake of the French pulling out.
"[The Russian involvement in Mali] signals a major expansion of Russia's military interests in Africa and a strategic setback for the West. The deployment of Russian military contractors signals a profound break with France and the West."
Mali has been close to Russia politically, culturally, economically, and militarily since the 1960's.
Mali's welcomed Russian troops, including Wagner's, in the wake of the French pulling out.
"[The Russian involvement in Mali] signals a major expansion of Russia's military interests in Africa and a strategic setback for the West. The deployment of Russian military contractors signals a profound break with France and the West."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58751423
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-security-council-end...
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/12/russias-presence-mali-r...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mali%E2%80%93Russia_relations