French defence minister warns Mali against Russian 'mercenary' firmAs some countries draw down their forces in Mali, the government is looking elsewhere to shore up its fight against jihadistsBAMAKO - France's defence minister has warned Mali that hiring paramilitaries from Russian private-security firm Wagner would isolate the country internationally, during a visit to the Sahel state. The Russian company is considered close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and has been accused of committing abuses. The minister explained that France's "abandonment" of Mali meant "everything had to be considered to secure the country," the official said. France is concerned about military strongman Colonel Assimi Goita's commitment to hold swift elections to return Mali to civilian rule. But Goita overthrew the leaders of that interim government in May -- in a second putsch -- and was later declared interim president himself, drawing international condemnation.

Source: Bangkok Post September 21, 2021 03:22 UTC