Mali has decorated Russian presidential aide Lt Gen Andrei Averyanov with one of its highest state honors, underscoring the deepening security, defense and economic partnership between the two countries.
The award was presented by transitional President of Mali Assimi Goïta during the Bamako International Defense and Security Exhibition (BAMEX), held from November 9 to 11, according to African Initiative.
On November 9, Goïta conferred the rank of Commander of the National Order of Mali on Averyanov in the category reserved for foreign nationals. The honor recognized his contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in security and defense.
The decoration comes as Russia expands its role in Mali and across the Sahel. Averyanov is reported to oversee Russian cooperation with several African countries, including deployments linked to the Africa Corps, military-technical cooperation and the transfer of Russian military expertise to African partners.
Mali’s relationship with Russia now extends beyond defense. In late October, the two governments signed a 2026–2030 roadmap for transport cooperation, covering joint infrastructure projects, road construction, airport modernization, water transport and training for Malian specialists.
The agreement also envisages Russian participation in transport corridors linking Mali to ports in other African countries and in new logistics infrastructure. Mali’s Transport Minister Dembélé Madina Sissoko and Russia’s transport chief Dmitry Yadrov signed the document.
Mali and Russian truckmaker KamAZ are also pursuing a contract for roughly 350 vehicles, including trucks, buses, fuel tankers and tipper trucks. The project includes driver, mechanic and engineer training, with possible future repair workshops and vehicle assembly in Mali.
Russia plans to open new Russian Houses in Mali and seven other African countries, offering language practice, career guidance and information on education and employment opportunities in Russia. According to Malijet, over 37,000 African students are enrolled in Russian universities, up from 17,500 in 2020.
