UNITED NATIONS, Sept 26 — Mali has asked private Russian companies to boost security, Russia’s foreign minister confirmed yesterday, as the Malian leader accused France of abandoning the conflict-ridden country by preparing a large troop drawdown.
“We have nothing to do with that,” he added, saying the Malian government estimated that “its own capacities would be insufficient in the absence of external support” and initiated the discussions. He said his government was justified to “seek other partners” to boost security and slammed a “lack of consultation” by the French.
The UN, which has some 15,000 peacekeepers in Mali, has also expressed concern at the possible involvement of Wagner fighters. France’s defence minister, Florence Parly, reaffirmed Monday that France was not abandoning Mali and that it remained “determined” to continue the fight against terrorism alongside the Malian forces.