French Defense Minister Florence Parly met with her Malian counterpart, Colonel Sadio Camara, yesterday (Monday), amid growing tensions in the war-torn Sahel state. The reason for this increasing tension is reportedly linked to information that Mali plans to engage Russian mercenaries. France warned Bamako last week against signing a deal with the private security company Wagner. A report indicated that the military-dominated Malian government was considering recruiting 1,000 Russian paramilitaries. However, Mali has not responded to this claim by the French minister. France has clearly stated its opposition to the recruitment of mercenaries.
Ms. Parly’s visit comes after months of strained relations between Mali and France. Recently, two military coups took place in Mali within a year. In this tense context, France is considering a significant reduction of its troop presence in the Sahel region, with several French army bases in northern Mali set to close in early 2022.
Russian influence in the African region is growing. In recent years, Russia has been deploying paramilitaries, instructors, and private security companies in Africa. This development is particularly notable in the conflict-ridden Central African Republic (CAR). The other country with troops in the region is Germany, which is threatening to reconsider its decision. Mali is going through a political crisis. Colonel Assimi Goïta, the military strongman, ousted the interim government leaders in May — in a second coup — and was later declared interim president himself. Mr. Goïta has pledged to adhere to the February 2022 deadline for civilian elections set by the previous interim government.