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Mali-United States relations, while historically friendly, were radically altered by the March 2012 military coup in Mali that ousted the previous democratic government. The Mali government was a strong partner with the U.S. in its efforts to combat violent extremists, but the United States officially suspended military relations with Mali following the military coup. Despite the official suspension of military relations, the Special Forces of the United States military continued to operate covert missions in Mali, as was revealed on April 20, when a Toyota Land Cruiser was found crashed in the Niger River with the bodies of three U.S. Army commandos and three women.
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According to a 2007 global opinion poll, 79% of Malians view the United States favorably. According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 87% of Malians approve of U.S. leadership, with 10% disapproving and 4% uncertain, the second-highest rating of the U.S. for any surveyed country in Africa.
History
Mali was a regional partner in the Global War on Terrorism. Mali also serves as an important laboratory for testing new anti-malaria medicines for use by American citizen travelers and for research that will have an Africa-wide impact. USAID, Peace Corps, and other U.S. Government programs play a significant role in fostering sustainable economic and social development. Prior to the March 2012 military coup, USAID programs also served to strengthen efforts to consolidate the peace process in northern Mali and the region's socioeconomic and political integration. In response to the coup, all aid from the United States was cut off.
Principal U.S. Officials include:
There is a U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali.
Former ambassadors
Among the previous eighteen U.S. Ambassadors to Mali are included: