JAKARTA - France's foreign minister criticized plans to bring Russian mercenaries to Mali, saying such a move was "incompatible" with France's military presence in its former colony.
Diplomatic and security sources told Reuters that Mali's ruling regime was close to reaching an agreement with a private Russian military contractor, the Wagner Group, to train Mali's military and provide protection for senior officials.
15 Sept. 15, asked by lawmakers about the report, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said: "Wagner is a militia that has shown itself in the past in Syria and the Central African Republic, committing violations and all manner of abuses that are not suit any solution."
Therefore, it does not match our presence. I say this to be heard," continued Le Drian.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly told a separate hearing she was deeply concerned about such a deal.
Sources told Reuters that Paris had begun diplomatic efforts to prevent the regime, which took power in a May coup, from reaching an agreement. Paris will consider pulling out of Mali if the deal goes ahead, they said.
France fears the arrival of Russian mercenaries will undermine its decade-long counter-terrorism operation against Al Qaeda and ISIS-linked insurgents in West Africa's Sahel region.
At the same time, France is reducing the strength of its 5,000-strong mission there to re-establish it with more European allies, diplomatic sources said.
President Emmanuel Macron announced the plan in July. France has touted some success against the insurgents in recent months, but the situation is extremely fragile, exacerbated by chaos in Mali after the coup.
A European source who tracks West Africa and security sources in the region said at least 1,000 mercenaries could be involved in the Russian Wagner Group deal. Two other sources believe the number is lower but give no figures.
For information, four sources said the Wagner Group will be paid about 6 billion CFA francs or about 11 million US dollars per month for its services. Reuters was unable to reach the Wagner Group for comment on this matter.
As previously reported, the interim president and Prime Minister of Mali resigned on Wednesday, May 26 local time, after two days of arrest by the military.
President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were arrested after a cabinet reshuffle, leaving two military officers out of office.
The intervention, led by Vice President Assimi Goita, is seen as jeopardizing Mali's transition back to democracy after the coup in August that toppled former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
Goita, a military colonel, was involved in last year's coup. He promised, the election planned for next year will run smoothly.
"The president and his prime minister have resigned. Negotiations are ongoing for their release and the formation of a new government," said Baba Cisse, an aide to Goita.
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