The file leaves no respite to French diplomats.
Since the announcement of the merger between the company of Russian mercenaries Wagner and the Malian junta, Paris has struggled to prevent the arrival of this occult army from the Kremlin in Bamako.
This possible arrival in Mali of a thousand of these Russian mercenaries specializing in the fight against terrorism and close protection was initially a red line for Paris, which deemed it "
incompatible"
with its action in the country.
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There could be no cohabitation between French soldiers and Wagner's mercenaries on the same territory, affirmed the Élysée and the Quai d'Orsay.
Implied: if Wagner arrives, the French leave.
Since then, Paris has softened its position.
Cohabitation with Russian mercenaries is still considered
"unacceptable"
.
But today, there is no longer any question of leaving Mali.
If Wagner arrives, we'll stay.
To leave would be to take the risk of Afghan failure.
It would also be a gift to the Russians
, says
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