Russia has expressed its interest in constructing nuclear infrastructure in Mali, a West African country. This announcement comes shortly after securing an agreement to build a nuclear plant in the neighboring country of Burkina Faso. The conflict in Ukraine has led Russia to compete with the West for influence in Africa. As part of this competition, Russia has increased military cooperation with African leaders and offered free grain to six African countries.
Rosatom, the state nuclear operator of Russia, has signed an agreement with Mali to collaborate in the peaceful use of atomic energy, which may include the construction of nuclear infrastructure in Mali. The agreement was finalized during the Russian Energy Week event in Moscow, where a delegation from Mali and Rosatom’s deputy director general, Nikolay Spassky, were present.
The signing of the agreement occurs just three days after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Assimi Goita, the military ruler of Mali, discussed strengthening security ties through a phone call. Since seizing power in 2020, Mali’s ruling junta has sought support from Russia against jihadist militants by acquiring Russian planes, helicopters, and paramilitaries. Mali, which previously relied on military assistance from its former colonial power, France, has increasingly turned to Russia for support since the withdrawal of French troops in 2022.