Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, met the head of US Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, in Bamako on Tuesday, November 10, for talks on security threats in the Sahel and possible cooperation against armed groups.
The meeting took place at Koulouba Palace on the sidelines of the Bamako International Defence and Security Exhibition, known as BAMEX 2026. Anderson was leading a US delegation attending the event, which opened in the Malian capital on Monday, according to Mali’s government.
Malian authorities said the discussion covered the security situation in the Sahel and Mali’s campaign against terrorism. After the meeting, Anderson praised the talks and said Washington was prepared to continue engaging with Malian officials on regional security issues, the government’s account said.
The African Press Agency reported that Anderson spoke of shared concerns about terrorist threats and the possibility of a common response. He also said the United States was willing to support Mali and other Sahel countries facing similar threats. No details were released about what form such support might take. The agency reported that neither side announced a new military agreement.
The meeting marks a public exchange between Washington and Bamako on security at a time when Mali has built closer military ties with Russia. APA noted that relations between Mali and the United States had slowed after the military takeovers of 2020 and 2021, which led to the suspension of several US security assistance programmes. The current meeting signals continued dialogue, but does not by itself confirm that formal military cooperation has resumed.
Anderson also emphasized respect for national independence and sovereignty, according to comments reported by APA from Mali’s public daily, L’Essor. He reportedly said Goïta was the first Sahelian head of state his team had met as part of this counterterrorism-focused outreach. The meeting was attended by Malian Deputy Defence Minister General Oumar Diarra.
The security discussions unfolded during BAMEX, a defence and security exhibition bringing international delegations to Bamako. Goïta also received Iranian Deputy Defence Minister Abass Mohamadi on the same day, APA reported, underlining the range of officials present at the event.
Mali has faced an extended insurgency and attacks by armed groups, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, and Islamic State affiliates. The security crisis has affected neighbouring countries across the Sahel as well. The US Africa Command describes countering extremist groups and supporting regional security as part of its work in Africa.
The visit comes amid broader changes in Mali’s security partnerships. Bamako has turned toward Moscow for military equipment and operational assistance, while its relations with several Western partners have been strained. The talks with Anderson suggest both sides are keeping channels open on regional security. However, the public statements offer no indication of a specific assistance package, joint operation or timetable for renewed cooperation.
For now, the meeting’s confirmed outcome is an exchange on security concerns and the prospect of continued discussion. Any practical change in US-Malian counterterrorism cooperation would require further announcements from the governments involved.
