Mali military leader Goita emerges as Russia declares it halted coup

Mali's military leader Assimi Goita met with Russian Ambassador Igor Gromyko in his first public appearance since rebel attacks that killed one of his ministers. Russia expressed its desire for stability in Mali, where it has gained significant influence since Goita's coup in 2021. Armed groups, including al-Qaeda's affiliate, attacked Mali's main army base and the area near Bamako's airport, driving Russian soldiers out of the north.