We will move forward. If Europeans are not in Sahel, China and Russia will be there – Mali

The Sahel region will move forward with or without Western help, Malian Foreign Minister has claimed speaking in Brussels.

The West African country, along with Niger and Burkina Faso – all three part of the Sahel alliance – have undergone military coups over the past three years. The Malian President has also highlighted the importance of new partnerships for the region.