Mali: "Wagner is there to support the junta", accuses Paris

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian accused Tuesday January 12 the mercenaries of the Russian group Wagner of

the junta in power in Mali under the guise of anti-jihadist struggle.

, he declared during a hearing before the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the National Assembly.

Read also On the internet, Wagner's campaign has begun

"What is happening in Mali is a real headlong rush by the ruling junta which, in defiance of its commitments, wishes to confiscate power for years and deprive the Malian people of their democratic choices

," he added. .

for five years, he continued, referring to the postponement of the elections, initially scheduled for February, intended to bring civilians back to power.

The Economic Community of West African States decreed on Sunday the closure of the borders with Mali and a trade and financial embargo, harshly sanctioning the junta's plan to continue to rule the country for several years.

The head of the junta, Colonel Assimi Goïta, said Monday to remain open to dialogue with the Community of West African States, while calling on his compatriots for calm and "resilience".

Read also In Mali, France resists Wagner's mercenaries

Jean-Yves Le Drian also accused Russia of

concerning the status of the Wagner force, suspected of acting secretly on behalf of the Kremlin, which Moscow formally denies.

know (it)

,” he said.

, he said. valued.

," he said.

Paris sought in vain to dissuade Bamako from using the services of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner.

More and more Russian instructors have been deployed in recent weeks, especially in Timbuktu, according to Malian military officials.