Mali: international partners strongly condemn the deployment of the Wagner group
Map of Mali.
RFI
Text by: Claire Fages Follow
2 min
In a joint statement, Canada and 14 European countries, including France, believe that the deployment of the Wagner group can only "
accentuate the deterioration of the security situation in West Africa
".
They denounce the involvement of Russia and call on Mali to restore constitutional order.
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From the outset, Mali's international partners indicate that they “
strongly condemn
” the deployment of the Wagner group on Malian territory. "
We deeply regret the decision of the Malian transitional authorities to use already limited public funds to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting the Malian armed forces and public services for the benefit of the Malian people
", indicates the press release of the 15 signatory countries. . This deployment can only "
accentuate the deterioration of the security situation
, they believe,
lead to a worsening of the human rights situation in Mali, threaten the peace agreement, hamper the efforts of the international community to ensure the protection of civilians.
"
The signatory countries name Russia behind these mercenaries.
“
We are aware of the involvement of the Government of the Russian Federation in providing material support for the deployment of the Wagner Group in Mali and call on Russia to behave responsibly and constructively in the region.
"
However, these 15 countries indicate: “
We will not give up our efforts to meet the needs of the Malian population.
We reaffirm our determination to continue our action to protect civilians, to support the fight against terrorism in the Sahel.
"
The declaration also addresses the issue of transition.
“
We urge the Malian transitional authorities to undertake reforms and restore constitutional order by preparing and organizing the elections as soon as possible as they have undertaken to do before the Malian people, ECOWAS and the international community.
"
The text is signed by 14 European countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Romania, the Czech Republic, the Baltic and Scandinavian countries, but also by Canada.
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