Senegal’s President visits Mali’s military leader

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye arrived in Bamako on Tuesday for a 24-hour working visit and talks with Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta.

The visit, Faye’s first official trip since being elected chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on July 19, focused on regional security, military cooperation and trade. Mali imports a significant portion of its goods through the port of Dakar, but transport has been hampered by jihadist attacks in recent months. The border crossing at Kidira has been closed for months, forcing truck drivers to take longer routes through Mauritania, raising costs and delaying delivery of essential goods.

Faye reaffirmed Senegal’s “unwavering” support for Mali in its fight against terrorism. Discussions also covered regional stability, with both leaders expressing a “convergence of views” on several issues. Mali’s military government has also partnered with armed forces in Niger and Burkina Faso to launch joint air strikes against jihadists in the tri-border area.

Goita, who has ruled Mali since the 2021 coup, was among the leaders who withdrew Mali from ECOWAS. Faye’s trip is seen as an effort to maintain dialogue with the breakaway junta states. The visit follows Faye’s election as ECOWAS chairman, where he pledged to keep diplomatic channels open with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

The two leaders also discussed the return of Mali to ECOWAS, though no timeline was announced.

SOURCE: AFP