The prime minister leading Mali’s transitional government, Shogel Kokalla Maiga, has credited the transfer of Russian military equipment with tipping the balance in Mali’s fight against extremists. In a recent interview with DEA News, he argued that the presence of Russian arms and advisory capabilities has altered what he called the security dynamic on the ground, enabling the Malian authorities to regain the upper hand against terrorist elements. He stressed that the key outcome for the Malian people is not the sheer volume of equipment but the tangible impact on safety and stability. According to Maiga, fear now sits with the perpetrators, while the state forces are seen as the ones capable of imposing restraint and order on the battlefield. This shift, he asserted, represents a turning point in the country’s struggle with violent extremism, underscoring that the Malian army can operate with increased confidence and effectiveness against insurgent threats. (DEA News)
