Russian mercenary group has been criticized by group of 15 European nations, Turkey, among others
DOUALA, Cameroon
At least 500 paramilitaries from the controversial private Russian Wagner Group arrived on Thursday in Bamako, Mali’s capital, local security sources confirmed to Anadolu Agency on Friday.
”We confirm the arrival of 500 Russian soldiers,” the Malian sources told Anadolu Agency, asking not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
The soldiers will be deployed in 10 locations in the West African country, according to local media.
The reported arrival comes as the paramilitary group attracts greater controversy.
On Thursday, 15 European countries, including France, which is deploying its military in Mali as part of the fight against terrorism, announced in a statement that they had taken note of “the involvement the Russian Federation’s government in providing material support for Wagner group’s deployment in Mali” and called on “Russia to adopt responsible and constructive behavior in the region.”
They condemned the deployment of mercenaries on Malian territory, warning that it could further deteriorate the security situation in West Africa.
The countries warned that the group’s involvement would “worsen the human rights situation in Mali” and threaten the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the country.
In 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pointed to 2,000 Wagner mercenaries fighting in nearby Libya in support of Khalifa Haftar, a warlord who has fought Libya’s legitimate government and undermined efforts for peace and unity in the country.
