France's foreign minister on Tuesday criticised plans that would bring Russian mercenaries into Mali, saying such a move was 'incompatible' with the French military presence in its former colony.
French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian speaks during a news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris, France, June 25, 2021. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS
Diplomatic and security sources have told Reuters that a deal is close between the Russian private military contractor the Wagner Group and Mali's ruling junta for the mercenaries to train the Malian military and provide protection for senior officials. The sources told Reuters that Paris has begun a diplomatic drive to prevent the junta - which took power in coup in May - from enacting the deal. Paris would consider withdrawing from Mali if the deal went ahead, they said.
President Emmanuel Macron announced those plans in July. France has hailed some successes against the militants in recent months but the situation is extremely fragile, compounded by the turmoil in Mali following the coup.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hermès Inaugurates Leather Goods Workshop in FranceThe French luxury goods firm is struggling to keep pace with soaring demand for its handbags.
Read more »
Kate Middleton's Brother James Got Married in France, And the Cambridges Were ThereKate Middleton's Brother James Got Married in France, And the Cambridges Were There to Celebrate
Read more »
Cannes Psychological Thriller ‘John and the Hole’ Closes New Key Deals, Including France, Germany (EXCLUSIVE)Production, finance and sales outfit Film Constellation has inked new key deals on psychological thriller “John and the Hole,” directed by one of Variety’s top 10 directors to watch, Pascual Sisto.…
Read more »
Cannes Psychological Thriller ‘John and the Hole’ Closes New Key Deals, Including France, Germany (EXCLUSIVE)Production, finance and sales outfit Film Constellation has inked new key deals on psychological thriller “John and the Hole,” directed by one of Variety’s top 10 directors to watch, Pascual Sisto.…
Read more »
Putin self-isolating due to Covid cases among inner circleRussia's President Putin self-isolating because of coronavirus cases in his inner circle, the Kremlin says, adding that he tested negative for Covid-19.
Read more »
Watch Figure Skater Alexandra Trusova Land an Impressive 5 Quad Jumps During Her Free SkateRussian figure skater Alexandra Trusova landed an impressive 5 quads during her free skate at Russian national senior test skates to music from Cruella.
Read more »