Asimi Guita with the highest state award.
On November 9, Malian President Assimi Guita awarded Russian General Andrey Abrianov the title of Commander of the National Order of Mali, the country's highest award, for his contribution to strengthening cooperation between Moscow and Bamako.
"The head of state awarded General Abrianov the title of Commander of the National Order of Mali in the category of foreign citizens. He received this award in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the cooperation between Mali and Russia, especially in the fields of security and defense," said a statement from Mali's presidential office.
During the meeting, Abrianov expressed his gratitude to the Malia authorities for the award and noted that it is "a great honor to receive such a sign of trust in advance of the transition period." ".
Goitas' meeting with the Russian delegation led by Abrianov took place on the sidelines of the defense industry exhibition BAMEX-2026 in Bamako on November 9.
General Abrianov oversees Russia's cooperation with several African countries, including the deployment of Africa Corps units, military-technical cooperation and the transfer of military experience from air defense forces to African partners.
Last December, publicist Alexander Nebzorov* and French radio station RFI claimed that General Abrianov was killed in an attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in the Mediterranean on the tanker Quandyl, which is considered part of the Russian "shadow fleet." Furthermore, Western media reported the death of the generals in Syria and Africa.
Listed as terrorist and extremist by Rosfinmonitoring.
African initiative.