The leader of Mali’s military government, Assimi Goita, met with Russia’s ambassador on Tuesday, according to a post on his office’s social media account, his first public appearance since insurgents launched coordinated attacks, over the weekend.

West Africa’s al Qaeda affiliate and a Tuareg-dominated separatist group hit Mali’s main army base and the area near Bamako’s airport, while also pushing Russian troops supporting government forces out of Kidal, in the north.

The attacks have triggered a scramble for territory across Mali’s vast desert north, raising the prospect of significant gains by armed groups that have shown an increasing willingness to strike neighbouring countries and, analysts say, could eventually set their sights further afield.

Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in Saturday’s attacks. Goita had not been seen until the social media post published, on Tuesday afternoon.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Goita and Russian Ambassador Igor Gromyko, “discussed the current situation and the strong partnership between Bamako and Moscow,” according to the post.

Gromyko “reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Mali in the fight against international terrorism,” it said.

The scale of the offensive, which hit multiple sites across the West African country, demonstrated an unprecedented ability by groups with differing objectives to work together and strike at the heart of the military government. Authorities have said the situation is under control.

–Reuters–