Malis military leader Goita solidifies power after Russia declares halt to attempted coup

Mali’s Military Leader Meets with Russian Ambassador

Assimi Goita, Mali’s military leader, has met with Russian Ambassador Igor Gromyko, according to his office. The meeting was announced on Tuesday, marking Goita’s first public appearance since rebel attacks over the weekend that resulted in the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara.

The Russian Ministry of Defence issued a statement claiming that its paramilitary forces had helped prevent a coup during the attacks, stating that they had inflicted significant losses on the rebel fighters and forced them to abandon their plans. The ministry also confirmed that mercenaries from Russia’s Africa Corps had been withdrawn from the northern town of Kidal.

Goita’s office published photos of the meeting, which have been described as an attempt to reassure the public that the military government remains secure with Russian support. However, social media footage has emerged showing Russian mercenaries and Malian troops surrendering to the armed groups that are seeking to topple the military government.

The attacks on Saturday were the largest in nearly 15 years, involving multiple sites across Mali and demonstrating an unprecedented ability to coordinate fighters from different groups. The Tuareg separatist group and al-Qaeda affiliate have joined forces against the military government and its Russian paramilitary backers.

Russia has expressed a desire for peace and stability in Mali, which has been plagued by conflict for over a decade. The Kremlin has warned that the Tuareg separatists are “regrouping” for fresh attacks.

Source: Al Jazeera