“We received this second batch of military equipment from Russia on behalf of the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs. It is the expression of a very fruitful partnership with the Russian State,” Diarra said at the international airport in Bamako, the capital, on Monday.

In addition to the aircraft and radars, the Armed Forces of Mali received unspecified military material as part of what the officer described as an expression of the political will to strengthen the army.

It will allow the military to defend territorial integrity, protect people and their property, and guarantee peace and the return of security throughout the country.

On March 30, the minister of Defense and Veterans, Colonel Sadio Camara, received the first shipment, consisting of attack helicopters, state-of-the-art radars and other material necessary to fight terrorism and violent extremism.

Local media reported that in addition to two helicopters they saw at least five transport trucks.

So far no official information on the conditions of the acquisition of the material has been made public.

The arrival of Russian weapons follows Diarra’s visit to Moscow in March and the departure of French troops under accusations of doing little in the fight against terrorism in the country.

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