Mali: West condemns the deployment of Russian mercenaries

(ANSA) - ROME, DECEMBER 24 - The condemnation of the deployment of Russian mercenaries in Mali came in a joint statement from Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania , Sweden and Great Britain, as reported by the BBC. Countries have said that such a deployment could "further deteriorate the security situation in West Africa", grappling with jihadist groups, and "threaten the accord for peace and reconciliation" in Mali.

    European nations and Canada have accused Russia of providing material support to the mercenaries of the Wagner group, but the Cremlin denies any connection with the private paramilitary company.

The EU recently imposed sanctions against the Wagner group, accusing it of involvement in serious violations of human rights.

    Countries also said they "deeply deplore" the Malian authorities' choice to use "scarce public funds" to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting the national army.

France - of which Mali is a former colony - has recently withdrawn from its last base in the north of the country in a broader operation to reduce its quota of soldiers against Islamists in the Sahel region.

(HANDLE).