Bamako – Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, welcomed African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat upon his arrival in Bamako at the start of a two-day official visit. The visit aims to strengthen dialogue between the African Union and Malian authorities.

According to the African Union, both sides discussed several issues of mutual concern, but did not provide further details. Mahamat is also expected to meet with Mali’s transitional president, Assimi Goïta.

This visit follows calls by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to intensify engagement with Malian authorities, with a focus on supporting political dialogue, restoring constitutional order, and establishing a credible timetable to complete the country’s transition period.

Mali’s membership in African Union activities and institutions has been suspended since June 2021, after the arrest of then transitional president Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, and the rise of Assimi Goïta to power. The Peace and Security Council has linked Mali’s reintegration into the African Union to the restoration of constitutional order.