Russian mercenaries could push France out of Mali

BAMAKO - Russian mercenary firm Wagner could send up to 1,000 fighters to Mali to train soldiers and protect VIPs under a new deal with its military junta, according to diplomatic sources quoted by Reuters.

The deployment could jeopardise France's 5,000-man strong counter-terrorist mission in the region, which was to involve more European Union (EU) states.

"Public opinion in Mali is in favour of more cooperation with Russia," a Mali defence-ministry spokesman said.

 

 

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