Mali is seeking greater autonomy in the defense and security sectors, the Chief of Staff of the Western African nation’s air force told RT, naming Russia as a partner that can assist the jihadism-plagued state in achieving this goal.
Brigadier General Alou Boi Diarra made the statement in an exclusive interview on Thursday, responding to a question about how Mali’s military relations with Russia differ from those it had with its previous security ally, France.
“Russia is one of the world leaders in the field of defense technologies and produces high-quality equipment that is perfectly adapted not only to the geographical and climatic conditions of Mali, but also to combat conditions,” he stated.
He hailed Moscow-Bamako relations as a “holistic” cooperation that covers all aspects and principles of equipment use and maintenance, as well as the infrastructure needed for its deployment.
“When Mali purchases weapons from Russia, Moscow also provides
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