Mali has received another batch of military equipment from Russia after the European Union suspended its military training programme with the Sahel nation. Mali's armed forces chief, Maj Gen Oumar Diarra, received two combat helicopters and surveillance radars, the Malian presidency said in a statement. Mr Diarra termed Russia's support to Mali as "a manifestation of the very fruitful partnership". Last month, Mali received two Russian-made combat helicopters and radars shortly after reports that its defence minister and air force chief "discreetly" visited Moscow. Wagner fighters and the Malian army have been linked to allegations of gross human rights abuses in joint counter-insurgency operations in recent months, reports Mali denies.

Source: Daily Nation April 19, 2022 08:45 UTC