By Walter Denmon

Mali's military junta has created a new ministerial-level post to oversee the mining sector, tightening the government's direct grip on the country's crucial gold industry, and has appointed a former Barrick Mining executive to the job.

The legal texts establishing the role state that the minister will have the power to supervise the implementation of mining policy, monitor compliance with the mining code, and review reports submitted by licence holders – responsibilities previously held by the Ministry of Mines.

According to a presidential decree dated 19 January, Hilaire Bébien Diarra, an earth sciences specialist who left Barrick to join the government last year while still leading talks for the company over the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, has been appointed to the post.

The Malian national was named special adviser to the presidency during a bitter dispute over the country's largest industrial gold mine, as Assimi Goïta's government demanded higher taxes and a bigger state stake in mining projects. His appointment was widely seen as a strategic setback for the Canadian company. Diarra was not immediately available for comment.

Mali is one of Africa's top gold producers, and several national mining forums in recent years have called for stronger structures to ensure security, compliance with standards, and consideration of community impacts in the sector.

A senior government official said the presidency has now taken the lead in supervising the mining industry, with major operating permits decided at the presidential level, as are contract negotiations – including the dispute with Barrick – which are also handled from the presidential palace. The Finance Ministry now oversees tax matters, while the Mines Ministry focuses on regulation.

Diarra's promotion comes as Mali tightens its control over the mining sector, the country’s main source of revenue, through a 2023 mining code that the government said in December had allowed it to recover 761 billion CFA francs (about $1.2 billion) in arrears.

But the tougher code has unsettled mining operators and fuelled a two?year standoff with Barrick, contributing to a 23% drop in industrial gold output in 2025, according to provisional data from the Mines Ministry.

By Hannah Pantos

ISLAMABAD/JAKARTA — January 12, 2026 — Pakistan and Indonesia are advancing toward a potentially significant defence cooperation agreement that could see Jakarta acquire combat jets and armed drones from Islamabad, officials and defence sources told Reuters on Monday. The discussions mark a deepening of bilateral ties and reflect both nations’ ambitions in regional security and defence modernization.

At the heart of the proposed deal are JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a multi-role combat aircraft co-developed by Pakistan and China, along with “killer” drones designed for surveillance and strike operations. Security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said talks were in an advanced stage and could involve over 40 JF-17 jets, though no formal agreements have been signed yet.

The potential transaction was discussed during a meeting in Islamabad between Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan Air Force Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, with both sides emphasizing broader defence cooperation and strategic dialogue. A spokesperson for Indonesia’s Defence Ministry described the exchange as focusing on long-term collaboration, communications between institutions, and mutually beneficial partnerships — but made clear that no final decisions had been reached.

Strengthening Air Power and Defence Ties

For Indonesia, the talks reflect an ongoing push to upgrade its aging air force fleet. The Southeast Asian archipelago has already diversified its procurement in recent years, placing orders for 42 French Rafale jets and 48 Turkish KAAN fighters to bolster capabilities. Jakarta has also explored other options, including Chinese and U.S.-made aircraft, as it seeks a balanced and modernized force posture.

Pakistan, meanwhile, is positioning itself as an emerging player in global defence exports. The JF-17 Thunder has been central to Islamabad’s export strategy, with interest growing after its brief deployment during a recent conflict with India, according to analysts. Beyond Indonesia, Pakistan is pursuing other defence deals with countries across Asia and Africa, including Libya, Sudan, and Bangladesh, aiming to expand its footprint and generate foreign revenue through military sales and training cooperation.

What’s on the Table

In addition to the combat jets, Indonesian officials indicated interest in Pakistan’s Shahpar drones, which can conduct reconnaissance and precision strikes. Sources also discussed possible training programs for Indonesian air force personnel and engineering staff as part of a broader defence cooperation framework. However, delivery timelines and the structure of any formal agreement remain unclear, with both governments stressing that negotiations are still ongoing.

Broader Geopolitical Context

The potential deal comes amid shifting security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, where countries are recalibrating defence partnerships in response to rising tensions and changing strategic priorities. For Pakistan, strengthening ties with Indonesia — the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation — could enhance its diplomatic outreach and bolster economic gains from defence exports. For Indonesia, diversifying suppliers offers a hedge against geopolitical uncertainties while modernizing its air defence capabilities.

As talks continue, defence analysts will be watching whether this emerging pact materializes into concrete contracts, potentially reshaping military cooperation and defence industrial ties between the two Asian nations.