Ties with Mali in jeopardy - EU

MALI - Malian opposition leader Choguel Maiga named transitional prime minister attends the inauguration ceremony of Colonel Assimi Goita the new interim President in Bamako, Mali, June 7, 2021.

The European Union says ties with Mali could be seriously affected if it allows Russian private military contractors to operate in the country.

Diplomatic and security sources told Reuters that Mali’s one year old military junta is close to recruiting the Wagner Group to supply mercenaries to train Mali’s military and protect senior officials.

France has launched a diplomatic drive to thwart the move. Paris says it would be “incompatible” with a continued French presence.

West Africa’s main political bloc, ECOWAS, as well as other allies combating militants in the Sahel region, have also expressed concerns over the potential deal.

Mali’s military junta has said it will oversee a transition to democracy leading to elections in February 2022.