Mali’s junta and Russia’s state nuclear company sign cooperation agreements

Mali's military junta and Russia's state nuclear firm Rosatom have signed three cooperation agreements, including plans for a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant, Rosatom announced, according to Reuters. This move is part of Rosatom's broader strategy to strengthen ties with African nations, particularly in the Sahel region, where military juntas have shifted from traditional Western partners towards Russia since 2020. Rosatom said it met with junta officials in early July and discussed a "strategic project to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant in Mali.” They also talked about solar energy, and geological exploration.

While details on the proposed nuclear plant remain unspecified, both parties emphasized ongoing collaboration. Currently, South Africa's Koeberg plant is the only operational nuclear power station on the continent, with Rosatom constructing a new plant in Egypt. A significant 9,600 megawatt nuclear deal between South Africa and Russia was blocked in 2017 due to legal challenges during Jacob Zuma's presidency.