Mali’s authorities appealed to the Russian private military company (PMC) to facilitate the fight against terrorists, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. The broadcast of his briefing was broadcast on YouTube.
What kind of ChVC was the authorities of the republic, the Lavrov did not specify. This decision was made due to the fact that France seriously reduces its military contingent in the country.
According to him, the French military in the African country “did not work out, and the terrorists still ruled the ball.” Lavrov also clarified that the authorities of Mali appreciated their own abilities in the fight against terrorism as insufficient, and independently decided to refer to the Russian ChVC.
Earlier, the Foreign Ministry of France promised Russia serious consequences in the case of the arrival of the Vagner ChvK in Mali. The Supreme Representative of the European Union on Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrel, in turn, warned Mali about the possible consequences in the event of cooperation between the authorities of the African country with ChvK Wagner, transfers Interfax. Borrel stated that the possible participation of a private military company in the country’s affairs will “immediately have consequences” in collaboration between the EU and the transitional government of Mali.
Earlier in September, Reuters Agency with reference to diplomatic sources reported that the ruling junta Mali entered into a deal with Russian mercenaries, within which the latter will teach local military and ensure the safety of high-ranking officials. According to preliminary information, it is planned to send to thousands of Russians in Mali.