China pledges CFA 22 billion to Mali with no strings attached

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged nearly CFA 22 billion (approximately $36 million) to Mali, marking a significant boost in bilateral relations between the two nations.

The announcement came at the conclusion of Malian President Colonel Assimi Goïta’s visit to Beijing, where he attended the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) alongside several other African leaders.

Colonel Goïta, the leader of Mali’s transitional government, highlighted the importance of this partnership during his visit from September 4 to 6.

“We responded to President Xi Jinping’s invitation to participate in the 9th China-Africa Summit Forum, which is a major partnership meeting between China and its African partners,” said Colonel Goïta.

In a statement broadcasted on Malian television, President Goïta underscored the enduring and robust ties between China and Mali, emphasizing that the two countries share “brotherly relations that have lasted for more than 60 years.”

He noted that these relations continue to grow stronger, covering critical sectors such as “defense and security, education, agriculture, and the energy sector.”

One of the key outcomes of Goïta’s visit was the decision to elevate the existing partnership to a strategic level.

“At the request of President Xi Jinping, it was decided to raise our partnership to a strategic partnership,” announced Colonel Goïta, hinting at a forthcoming state visit to define the specifics of this enhanced relationship.

The visit also yielded tangible economic benefits. “President Xi Jinping has decided to offer approximately CFA 22 billion to the Malian people without any conditions,” revealed the Malian leader.

A portion of this financial assistance will be directed towards supporting victims of recent flooding, highlighting China’s commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Mali.

Additionally, an old project has been revived as part of this strengthened cooperation. According to Colonel Goïta, the funds will support “the construction of the new National Assembly and a center for diabetic care,” with an estimated value of CFA 25 billion.

Colonel Goïta emphasized the importance of shared principles between Mali and China, stating, “The most important thing with China is that we share a number of principles, including respect for the sovereignty of our states, consideration of our peoples’ interests, and above all, non-interference in internal affairs.”

The pledge of nearly CFA 22 billion from China comes without any reciprocal demands, showcasing the depth of diplomatic goodwill between the two countries.

This financial boost is expected to enhance Mali’s infrastructure and support its citizens, solidifying China’s role as a key partner in Mali’s development journey.