Via Ozy, a report on the growing partnership between Mali and Iran:

Mali is strengthening ties with Iran’s “emerging economy” as it seeks to shore up international support amid continued ostracization by Western countries.

Following a coup in 2020 and another in 2021, Western nations have withdrawn military support from Mali until it reestablishes democratic elections.  This withdrawal has led the country to seek support elsewhere.

“We want to strengthen relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran” – Mali’s Ambassador to Iran, Mohammed Maiga.

“In the scientific and political circles of Africa, Iran is known as one of the emerging economies, and from this point of view, we want to strengthen relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said Mali’s Ambassador to Iran, Mohammed Maiga, to Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi.

This new alliance comes amid plans by the Iranian government to expand trade with West African nations in agricultural products, minerals, and construction materials, among other areas. Iran has also prioritized commercial involvement with the African region as part of its own development plan.

Mali has already cozied up to Russia, who last November signaled it would provide $100 million of food, fertilizer and fuel shipments to the West African country.

“We believe that African countries, with regard to their rich reserves and resources, as well as human resources, will be able to achieve more development and progress through independence without the interference of Westerners,” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said during a televised appearance with the Malian ambassador.