The geopolitical contest between the United States and Russia in Africa's Sahel is intensifying, with Moscow dispatching a major naval-backed arms shipment to Mali just months after Washington announced a $2.3 million security package for neighbouring Niger.
According to Al Jazeera, the Russian Navy's Ropucha-class amphibious landing ship Alexander Shabalin is escorting a cargo vessel carrying weapons and ammunition destined for Mali.
The shipment comes as Russian-backed fighters from the Africa Corps continue supporting the Malian Armed Forces against a coalition of Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked militants that has intensified attacks across northern Mali.
The latest operation reflects Russia's growing role as the region's leading external security partner, while highlighting Washington's efforts to maintain influence in a region that has undergone a dramatic geopolitical realignment over the past five years.
Two powers, competing visions for the Sahel
