Discussions between Mali and Russian company Wagner worry France

The presence of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner company would be "incompatible" with that of French troops in Mali, estimates Paris.

(illustrative image) © AFP / Pascal Guyot

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The French authorities were openly concerned on Tuesday about the discussions between Bamako and the Russian private company Wagner.

This information was revealed on Monday by the Reuters news agency.

For the French government, an involvement of the Russian private company Wagner in Mali would be "incompatible" with the maintenance of a French force.

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Asked about this subject this Tuesday before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, Florence Parly, the Minister of the Armed Forces, first reiterated the commitment of French forces in Mali, fighting for 8 years jihadist groups : " 

We are still in Mali and we will undoubtedly be there in the months and years to come ... 

"

But the minister said she was very concerned about the possible signing of an agreement between Bamako and the Russian private company Wagner.

On the other hand, there are worrying things happening in Mali and if this rumor according to which the Malian authorities were to contract with the Wagner company, it would be extremely worrying and contradictory, inconsistent with everything that we have undertaken for years and everything that we intend to undertake in support of the countries of the Sahel.

 "

To read also: Mali: the Russian mercenaries of the Wagner group soon present in the country? 

For Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Foreign Affairs, an intervention by Russian paramilitaries could even lead to the withdrawal of French troops. “

Wagner is a private militia made up of soldiers who have distinguished themselves with exactions, predations, violations of all kinds. And that cannot correspond to any solution.

It is absolutely irreconcilable with our presence. In the Central African Republic, this has caused a deterioration of the security situation. An intervention of a group of this type would be incompatible with the action of the Sahelian and international partners of Mali. 

"

In Bamako, the Ministry of Defense admitted this Tuesday to journalists that it had held talks with the Wagner company.

“ 

Mali now intends to diversify its relations in the medium term to ensure the security of the country.

We have not signed anything with Wagner, but we are discussing with everyone

 ”, they say to the Ministry of Defense.

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