Russia Pledges $100 Million In Food And Fuel, Minister Says

Russia has pledged to deliver US$100 million in food, fuel and fertilizer to Mali in the coming weeks, reports Al Jazeera (Qatar).

During a visit to Moscow last week, Malian Economy Minister Alousseini Sanou said that Russia had promised to send 60,000 tons of petroleum products, 25,000 tons of wheat and 30,000 tons of fertilizer.

Malnutrition and food insecurity are major problems in Mali, with the U.N. estimating that 3.6 million people, or 18 percent of the population, lacks reliable access to food.

This deal reflects a rapidly deepening relationship between Moscow and the West African country.

Mali’s ties with its traditional partner, France, have soured since a 2020 coup, with Paris subsequently pulling its military forces out of the country.

Russia has since deployed Wagner Group mercenaries to support the Malian armed forces in their fight against militants. The Russian mercenaries have been accused of killing civilians during operations in Mali.