Mali Ex-rebels Reject Potential Russian Mercenary Deal
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published September 17, 2021 | 02:20 AM
Bamako, Sept 16 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Sep, 2021 ) :Former separatists in Mali on Thursday said they opposed a potential government deal with Russian mercenary group Wagner, warning against the use of "militias" in the Sahel state.
In a statement, Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), said it had learned through social media that the government was on the verge of signing a deal with the private-security firm.
The mostly Tuareg CMA said it is "the civilian population, already battered and weakened by a decade of crisis, that will pay the price of the use of mercenaries." Two French sources told AFP this week that the Malian government was nearing a deal with the controversial Russian firm, which would underline Moscow's growing influence in the region.
Both France and Germany, which have troops in Mali, have warned against Mali doing business with Wagner.
Mali was plunged into conflict in 2012 when local Tuareg separatists -- including the CMA -- revolted in the north of the country with the support of jihadists.
The conflict spiralled, and Islamist violence has since spread to central Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.
But in talks brokered in Algiers in 2015, several former rebel groups, including the CMA, signed a peace deal with Mali's central government in a bid to stop the fighting.
Many see the deal as one of the few solutions to Mali's intractable conflict. Many provisions have never been implemented, however.
Among other things, the accord provides for integrating former rebel groups into Mali's army.
"The CMA believes that the priority for the stability of Mali is to move quickly towards the establishment of the reconstituted army," the former rebel group stated.
It added that it "condemns and firmly opposes any use of militias, whatever their nature and motive, and holds the Malian state fully responsible for what will happen if it does so".
In recent years, Russian paramilitaries, security instructors, companies and advisors have grown increasingly influential in Africa, particularly in the war-torn Central African Republic (car).
The Kremlin said on Wednesday there were no formal discussions on military cooperation with Mali.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PSX witnesses positive trend today
PM Shehbaz meets CJP Isa to address IHC judges’ concerns
Pakistan vows to bring to justice perpetrators, abettors of Bisham terrorist att ..
May 9 riots: SC allows conditionally to military courts to deliver reserved verd ..
Interior Minister arrives in Peshawar after Shangla suicide attack
OPPO Reno 11 F 5G: Setting New Records as Pakistan's Most Beloved Smartphone Lin ..
PCB dismisses FICA's claims of unpaid dues in PSL
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 March 2024
Niger says US to submit plan to 'disengage' troops
Venezuelan opposition registers unknown poll contender after obstacles
Van Aert breaks collarbone, ribs in Flanders fall
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
1 day ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
1 day ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
3 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
3 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
4 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
4 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
4 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
4 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
4 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
6 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
6 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
6 days ago