“We strongly condemn the deployment of mercenaries on the territory of Mali,” 15 countries led by France said in a statement, which managed to prove (as they believe) the presence of a Russian private military company – the Wagner Group in the country. The Transitional Government of Mali, a product of the August 2020 coup, however, denied the use of this group. “I do not know a company with that name,” the President of Mali, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, invariably replied, but confirmed the involvement of Russian instructors.
Private military companies represent the interests of Russia and its state-owned companies in Africa, are fighting Islamic radicals and do not plan to leave the region under pressure from Western partners. This follows from an article in RIA Novosti, which, referring to a high-ranking diplomat Pyotr Ilyichev, are going to continue to provide military assistance to Mali through state channels.
The French withdrew their military from Mali, refusing to provide direct military assistance to the local government. It is looking for an opportunity to strengthen its power and attracts international forces to cooperate.
The Wagner Group does not represent the Russian state, but that private military contractors have the right to work anywhere in the world as long as they do not violate Russian law. This is the position of the President of the Russian Federation.
