On Saturday, Mali’s junta leader General Assimi Goïta met with Sudan’s Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, highlighting the military challenges each country faces. Both leaders have taken power through coups and are currently engaged in conflicts within their nations. The visit reflects their growing ties with Russia amidst shifting global dynamics.
On Saturday, General Assimi Goïta, the head of Mali’s ruling junta, welcomed Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto leader, in a meeting that highlights the military challenges facing both nations. Goïta, who came to power following a 2020 coup that deposed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, hosted General al-Burhan during a 48-hour visit, as stated by the Malian presidency on social media.
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who led a coup in 2021 against a civilian government that emerged after the overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, now faces internal strife following a rebellion from his deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, also known as Hemedti. This conflict has plunged Sudan into chaos, with clashes erupting between Burhan’s forces and the Rapid Support Forces he once commanded. Although the Malian presidency indicated that various activities were planned during the visit, specific details remain undisclosed.
The relationship between Mali and Russia has strengthened since Goïta’s ascendancy, with Mali distancing itself from former colonial influences, particularly France, while engaging with the Wagner Group. Similarly, Sudan has sought to bolster its ties with Russia; however, Moscow’s support for the RSF is under scrutiny due to concerns regarding its strategic military interests in Syria. In a related development, Guinea-Bissau has confirmed that Burhan will visit the country on Sunday and Monday, reflecting ongoing regional engagements in challenging political landscapes.
The current political climates in Mali and Sudan have been marked by military interventions that have resulted in significant changes to governance structures. General Assimi Goïta’s coup in Mali disrupted the transitional government that followed the ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in 2020. Meanwhile, in Sudan, General al-Burhan’s leadership was similarly solidified after the removal of civilian leaders in 2021, amidst the backdrop of post-revolutionary unrest following the fall of Omar al-Bashir. The internal conflicts faced by both leaders are symptomatic of broader challenges in their respective nations, as power struggles and international allegiances shift.
The meeting between Generals Goïta and al-Burhan underscores the intricate interplay of military power and political instability in both Mali and Sudan. With both leaders grappling with internal strife, their engagement suggests a potential alignment of military interests amid changing global dynamics, particularly regarding their relations with Russia. As these leaders navigate the complexities of their rule, their collaborative engagements may have significant implications for regional stability and security.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
