Mali Junta Courts US Business, Security Ties in Volatile Region

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop

Photographer: Pavel Bednyakov/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Mali’s ruling junta is courting US investment and support for the fight against Islamist insurgents as it seeks to solidify a regional alliance of military-led West African states.

US officials visited the country on Monday for talks with Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop. The American delegation included US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa William Stevens.