Mali Military Leader Meets with Russian Ambassador Amid Regional Tensions
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The leader of Mali's military junta held talks with Russia's ambassador, with discussions reportedly covering a "joint operation between Malian and Russian armed forces." The junta leader's office released photographs from the meeting shortly after Russia declared its desire for a return to stability in the West African nation. The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions in the Sahel region, where Mali has been under military rule since a 2020 coup that ousted the civilian government. Russia has expanded its influence in West Africa in recent years, often through military cooperation and the deployment of Wagner Group mercenaries, as Western powers have reduced their presence in the region.