The Malian government has rejected criticism of the possible deployment of Russian mercenaries in the country.

Mali has the right to seek military support from whoever it may, Prime Minister Choguel Maiga said on Saturday, referring to criticism from Western countries.

However, the statement did not confirm whether Mali was actually in talks with mercenaries.

According to information from the news agency Reuters from diplomatic circles, Mali is about to reach an agreement with the Russian mercenary group "Wagner". The mercenaries are supposed to train the Malian military and protect government leaders. Both the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer had emphasized that the use of mercenaries was not in line with the international deployment in the country. Germany is currently involved in operations in Mali with around 1200 soldiers.

The Chancellor candidates from the Union and the Greens questioned the Mali mission because of the evidence of the activities of Russian mercenaries.

"If Russian mercenaries are actually involved there, that calls into question the basis of the operation," said Union candidate Armin Laschet of the newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

"We need all the information here quickly and then a decision soon."

Twice there was a military coup under the eyes of EU and UN forces, said Green candidate Annalena Baerbock of the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

"If the Malian military government now makes common cause with Russian mercenaries, the training for the Malian military must in any case be suspended."