Mali’s military-led government has secured a significant agreement with the Chinese defense company Norinco. The deal, finalized on Monday in Beijing, marks a major step in Mali’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions and internal security challenges.
Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Malian government, was accompanied by Colonel Assimi Goita, the interim president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The high-level delegation was given a comprehensive tour of Norinco’s facilities, where they inspected various military hardware, including drones and armored vehicles.
The deal not only covers the supply of military gear but also includes extensive training and knowledge exchange in critical defense areas, reinforcing Mali’s military infrastructure. This collaboration with Norinco is particularly notable as it comes on the heels of economic sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following the 2020 military coup in Mali.
Defense Minister Camara highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that Norinco had provided essential military equipment to Mali even before the embargo was lifted. “Norinco provided us with equipment without requiring immediate payment. We settled this contract only after the embargo was lifted. We will always remember this gesture,” Camara stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of this partnership in Mali’s defense strategy.
The agreement with Norinco reflects Mali’s ongoing realignment away from traditional Western allies, particularly as its relations with several Western nations have deteriorated since the coup. This pivot towards China is part of a broader regional trend, as evidenced by the July summit in Niamey, Niger, where leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced the formation of a new union of Sahel states, signaling their collective departure from ECOWAS.
Read also: Is Dangote Selling Fuel or Vodka?
During his visit to Beijing, President Goita also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders announced the elevation of China-Mali relations to a strategic partnership. This enhanced cooperation is expected to have significant implications for the security landscape in the Sahel region, where Mali continues to face persistent threats from militant groups.
The deal with Norinco represents a critical step in Mali’s efforts to secure its sovereignty and address the pressing security challenges it faces. As the country continues to navigate its complex political landscape, this new partnership with China is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its future defense and security policies.
