Russia and Mali Forge Strategic Axis as Bamako Eyes BRICS Membership

Phil Butler, New Eastern Outlook, July 01, 2025 —

In a clear signal of deepening bilateral ties and shifting global alignments, the Russian Federation signed a series of cooperation agreements with Mali, underscoring economic, energy, and strategic collaboration between the two nations.

Among the newly formalized deals was a cooperation agreement on nuclear energy—part of an ongoing dialogue to construct a Russian-designed, low-power nuclear power plant in Mali. The project, deemed “strategic” by both sides, represents a significant step in Mali’s pursuit of energy independence and industrial modernization. President Putin acknowledged that while trade volumes remain limited, the partnership is accelerating:

“There are good areas for future cooperation: these are geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics, and the humanitarian fields,” he stated in an official Kremlin readout. Relations, he noted, are showing a “good upward trend.”

Economic Sovereignty and Gold Refining Initiative

This intensifying relationship follows Mali’s announcement of a bold new industrial project: a gold refinery constructed in partnership with Russia’s Yadran Group. The facility, located in Senou near Bamako, is projected to refine up to 200 tonnes of gold annually—ending decades of crude export to foreign refineries. As Africa’s second-largest gold producer, Mali has long lacked a certified domestic facility to process its most valuable resource. Speaking at the refinery’s groundbreaking ceremony, Colonel Goïta described the project as a turning point:

“It’s a long-awaited dream of the Malian people, and today it’s becoming a reality… [It] will enable Mali to refine all the gold mined on its soil, ending decades of crude export to foreign refineries.”

The Malian government will hold a majority stake in the refinery, while the Yadran Group maintains a minority share. Irek Salikhov, the group’s head, praised the venture as a “win-win,” aiming to position the facility as a regional gold refining hub for neighboring nations such as Burkina Faso.

This move comes amid broader efforts to reclaim national control over resources. Mali recently placed a major Canadian-run gold mine operated by Barrick Gold under state administration, a decision widely seen as emblematic of the country’s pivot away from Western economic influence.

Security Realignment and Russian Military Support

In parallel with economic realignment, Mali has increasingly turned to Russia for security assistance following the withdrawal of French and UN forces from its territory. Although the Wagner Group recently announced its departure from Mali, the Kremlin-affiliated African Corps continues to operate there, providing critical support to the Malian military in its ongoing campaign against jihadist insurgents.

This trend is not isolated: neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger have also shifted toward Moscow following recent military coups, forming the Alliance of Sahel States—a bloc increasingly defined by post-Western, sovereignty-focused policies.

Toward BRICS and a New Global Architecture

Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop recently confirmed that the country is preparing to formally apply for membership in BRICS, viewing the group as a viable alternative to Western-led financial and political institutions. In an interview with Russian state media, Diop stated:

“Yes, Mali is interested in joining BRICS. While we haven’t submitted an application yet, discussions are ongoing with our Russian partners and other BRICS members… We are exploring all options and hope to approach BRICS for membership soon, in coordination with the Alliance of Sahel States.”

Diop emphasized that BRICS offers a “balanced model of multilateralism” and presents concrete economic benefits, including trade in local currencies and access to development financing via the BRICS New Development Bank. As the Western elites ramp up efforts to destabilize emerging nations in the multipolar world, Russia’s moves in Africa add new complexity and a vision for greater prosperity for nations aligned with the new path.

A Strategic Arc from Bamako to Moscow

Together, these moves form part of a broader strategic arc: Mali is no longer merely rebalancing old alliances—it is helping forge a new geopolitical identity rooted in economic autonomy, regional solidarity, and multipolar cooperation. For Russia, the deepening relationship affirms its growing influence across the continent of Africa. For Mali, it represents a bold step into a post-colonial future—where sovereignty is asserted not only through rhetoric but through control of gold, energy, and other essential levers of diplomacy.

Russia has been strategically expanding its influence in the Sahel region of Africa, particularly through partnerships with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The effort fills a void where these nations break free of the shackles of European and even American colonialism that has dominated the whole of Africa. The Russian efforts, and even Chinese influence on the old continent, resemble true partnerships rather than sovereign domination.