France warns Mali against Russian Wagner mercenary deal
Paris (AFP) Sept 14, 2021
French Defence Minister Florence Parly warned Mali on Tuesday against a deal with Russian private security group Wagner amid claims the West African country's junta is close to hiring 1,000 mercenaries. Two French sources told AFP on Tuesday that the Malian government was nearing a deal with the controversial Russian firm, which would underline Moscow's growing influence in the region.
