Mali–United States relations
# Mali–United States relations

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.

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

The United States and Mali established diplomatic relations on September 24, 1960.

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:

* Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic
* Deputy Chief of Mission--Peter Barlerin
* Director, USAID Mission--Rebecca Black
* Director, Peace Corps--Michael Simsik
* Public Affairs Officer—Kate Kaetzer-Hodson
* Management Officer—Matthew Cook
* Political/Economic Officer—Peter Newman
* Consular Officer—Rebecca Drame
* Defense Attaché—LTC Eric Dalton

## Former ambassadors

Among the previous eighteen U.S. Ambassadors to Mali are included:

* Robert O. Blake
* Patricia M. Byrne
* Anne Forrester
* Parker W. Borg
* Vicki Huddleston

## Diplomatic missions

The Embassy of Mali in Washington, D.C. is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Mali to the United States. The embassy is located at 2130 R Street Northwest in the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

There is a U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali.

