Mali’s junta leader General Assimi Goita warmly welcomed Sudan’s de facto ruler, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for a 48-hour visit in Bamako. Two coup leaders, both drowning in their own internal problems, now seem eager to exchange lessons on how to cling to power while their nations crumble. The Malian presidency vaguely promised “numerous activities” during the visit, though what exactly two embattled generals discuss behind closed doors remains is a big guess for me.
Goita, who orchestrated Mali’s 2020 coup against elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has systematically severed ties with France, Mali’s former colonial ruler, in favour of cozying up to Russia and the notorious Wagner mercenary group. His guest, Burhan, isn’t faring any better. After ousting Sudan’s civilian leaders in 2021, Burhan found himself locked in a brutal war with his former ally-turned-enemy, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemedti, and his Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Of course the world got tired of Sudan’s war.
Both regimes have turned their backs on Western alliances, warming the beds of Russia instead. Mali eagerly welcomed Russian arms and Wagner operatives, while Sudan flirted with Moscow in hopes of securing its own military advantage. However, Russia’s influence in Africa hangs in the balance, especially as it risks losing its important naval and air bases in Syria, necessary for maintaining its operations on the continent.
Guinea-Bissau announced that Burhan will visit next, as if his regime isn’t already teetering on the edge of collapse. Instead of addressing the humanitarian disasters unfolding in their countries, these military leaders are busy hopping from one junta to another, showcasing a disturbing trend of authoritarian networking in Africa. We hope other African countries don’t envy such nonsense.
