BAMAKO: The Malian government has denied the presence of Russian mercenaries on its territory, in response to a statement by 15 Western countries claiming the presence of mercenaries from the Russian "Wagner" group, in mali.
malian Minister of Land Administration and Spokesperson for the malian government Colonel Abdullah Maiga said in a statement that his country officially denies "the baseless allegations and demands evidence from independent sources," adding that there are Russian trainers within the framework of a bilateral agreement between Bamako and Moscow, with the aim of strengthening the field capabilities of the national defense and financial security forces.
The statement added that Bamako demands "to be judged by its actions and not on the bases of rumours, noting that mali is committed to a partnership with the Russian Federation its "historic partner."
15 Western countries, including Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada, announced that the malian authorities had allowed the deployment of mercenaries belonging to the Russian "Wagner" group in mali with the help of Moscow.
Western countries said, in a joint statement Thursday, "We strongly condemn the deployment of mercenaries on malian territory," and expressed their dissatisfaction with the participation of the Russian Federation government in providing material support for the deployment of the Wagner Group in that West African country.
The statement stressed the determination of those countries to continue their work "to protect civilians, support the fight against terrorism in the Sahel region, and help establish long-term stability.
In Washington, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned mali on Wednesday of "financial and destabilizing consequences for countries that are already witnessing violence, if the government deploys the Wagner Group."
Since 2012, mali has witnessed operations carried out by armed groups. The United Nations deploys its forces to maintain security in mali, and France launched Operation Barkhane to confront armed groups in the Sahel.
Last June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to reduce his country's military presence in the Sahel region, end Operation Barkhane, and focus efforts in the south, where armed groups continue to "spread the threats.”
