The strategic security partnership between Russia and Mali reached a new milestone on 9 November 2026, when Mali’s Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, awarded Russian Lieutenant General Andrei Vladimirovich Averyanov an official distinction at the Koulouba Palace.
Exercising his prerogatives, General Goïta elevated Andrei Vladimirovich Averyanov to the rank of Commander of the National Order of Mali, in the category of foreign nationals. The distinction recognises Averyanov’s contribution to strengthening cooperation between Moscow and Bamako, particularly in the areas of security and defence.
The honorary decoration was conferred following an audience granted by the Malian leader to the Russian delegation led by Lieutenant General Andrei Vladimirovich Averyanov, on the sidelines of the second edition of the Bamako International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX), held in the Malian capital from 9 to 13 November 2026.
Andrei Averyanov, a noble presence in the Sahel described as a senior adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Andrei Averyanov has played a central role in establishing and coordinating Africa Corps, the Russian military structure that succeeded the Wagner Group in Africa and is placed under the direct authority of the Russian Ministry of Defense. It is worth noting that Africa Corps, alongside the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), has been involved in operations that helped secure Bamako, Kidal, Sévaré, and Gao—areas that had, for years, faced intense attacks from Islamist and separatist armed groups, including the Azawad Liberation Front and JNIM rebels.
The Russian officer’s distinguished decoration recognises his presence and contribution in the field. He has been at the centre of several negotiations on defence, security, and cooperation agreements, notably in Libya, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, and Equatorial Guinea.
In September 2023, Andrei Vladimirovich Averyanov, alongside Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, toured the area of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), covering Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Local media described the official tour as a catalyst for laying and cementing the foundations for the reorganisation of Russia’s military presence in the region following the departure of the Wagner Group.
A Strategic and Sovereign Partnership
At the third Russia–Africa Summit held in Moscow, Army General Assimi Goïta reaffirmed and welcomed the strength of military and strategic cooperation with the Russian Federation. This partnership forms part of the country’s sovereign refoundation and has helped strengthen the operational capabilities of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) through skills transfer, the training of soldiers, and the provision of equipment, such as armoured vehicles and drones.
BAMEX: A Meeting Point for Defence Industries
Organised jointly with Türkiye under the patronage of the Malian Presidency and the Ministry of Defence, the Bamako International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX), taking place from 9 to 13 November 2026 in Bamako, brings together defence industry manufacturers and foreign delegations from several countries including Türkiye, Russia, China USA and Germany.
Under the theme "Innovation, intelligence and responsiveness: Africa facing new global security challenges", the exihibition aims to strengthen technological innovation, industrial cooperation, skills transfer, and the strategic autonomy of defence forces, particularly within the framework of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). A large Russian delegation is currently taking part in the event, including officials from the Russian Ministry of Defence as well as several arms manufacturers.
Cooperation Extended to New Strategic Areas
The third Russia–Africa Summit, attended by President Assimi Goïta, led to the signing of new strategic partnerships on October 28 between Russia and Mali. The deal encompasses geological exploration and subsoil management agreements notably in the fields of geology and mineral resources.
These agreements were concluded between Mali’s Ministry of Mines, represented by Amadou Keïta, and the Russian state-owned company Rosgeologiya, through its international subsidiary Zarubezhgeologia, headed by Alexey Desyatkin.
The first contract, with a duration of twenty-four months, concerns the preparation of geological maps and medium-scale satellite maps covering more than half of Mali’s territory. The second contract, which extends over eight months, concerns the establishment of a digital infrastructure to centralise, analyse, and manage subsoil data, optimise the granting of licences, and monitor extractive activities.
These agreements aim to identify new promising areas for resource exploration, while also improving the management of the country’s geological data, which until now had been based on limited knowledge of Mali’s geological resources.
A turning point in the economic, security and strategic cooperation between the West African state and the Russian Federation.