The United States has removed sanctions on three senior officials in Mali, including Defense Minister Sadio Camara.
The other two are military leaders Alou Boi Diarra and Adama Bagayoko. They were previously punished for working with Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which has now been absorbed into Russia’s Africa Corps.
The decision comes as Washington tries to rebuild ties with Mali and strengthen cooperation against jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
A top US envoy recently visited Mali to discuss closer security and intelligence sharing.
Experts say the move shows America is shifting its approach, choosing to work with military-led governments in Africa despite earlier concerns.
Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, continues to battle a growing insurgency linked to al Qaeda and other militants groups.
Reuters/Hauwa M.