Russia has signed new agreements to strengthen trade and economic relations with Mali, as President Vladimir Putin hosted the West African country’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, in Moscow on Monday.

The two leaders met at the Kremlin for a two-hour discussion, according to Russian state media.

Putin described the relationship between Russia and Mali as following a “positive trajectory,” though he acknowledged that current trade volumes remain modest, Reuters reported.

He emphasized potential areas for deeper cooperation, including geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics, and humanitarian efforts.

One of the key deals signed was focused on nuclear energy cooperation. The two countries have previously discussed a strategic plan to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear plant in Mali.

The junta-led country is following a similar path to Burkina Faso, having taken a major step toward embracing nuclear energy by officially signing the final administrative document of a historic intergovernmental agreement with Russia last week.

This landmark deal represents a significant milestone in Mali’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and tackle the country’s growing electricity needs, as it seeks long-term solutions to power shortages and boost national development.

Russia’s expanding footprint in Africa
Earlier this month, construction also began on a new Russian-backed gold refinery in Mali. Set to be constructed on a five-hectare site near Bamako’s international airport, the refinery will have the capacity to process up to 200 metric tons of gold annually, a significant leap from Mali’s current processing capacity of about 50 tons.

Though Mali is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, it currently lacks a fully functional and globally certified refinery.

The country’s two existing facilities have been unable to meet the standards required by global bodies like the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), forcing miners to refine their gold abroad. The new refinery will produce gold with a purity of 99.5%, adhering to international certification standards.

Good morning y'all #picture #babyandme #viral

EFCC Arrests Six for Alleged Internet Fraud in Uyo



Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, have arrested six suspected internet fraudsters at Ekamba and Ekpri Nsukara areas of Nwaniba, in Akwa Ibom State.

Four of the suspects were arrested at Ekamba Nsukara, while the other two were apprehended at Ekpri Nsukara.

The intelligence -driven arrest led to the recovery of the following items, eight mobile phones and two laptops.

The suspects will be charged to court soon.

TOP 10 LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN THE WORLD

Ministry of Defense tops the list, followed by Department of defence, People’s Lib. Army, Walmart, Amazon, Petrochina, National Health service, Foxconn, Indian Railways, Tata Group