Mali: Assimi Goïta reappears in Koulouba alongside Russians after Kati attacks

Malian transitional president General Assimi Goïta made a public appearance in Koulouba on April 28, 2026, meeting with Russian ambassador Igor Gromyko after several days of silence following the April 25 attacks by JNIM and FLA. This meeting aims to reassure the national opinion and affirm the strength of the Bamako-Moscow axis, as Russia continues to support Mali in its fight against terrorism. The ambassador praised the joint actions of Malian and Russian armed forces, emphasizing Moscow's commitment to Mali.