US sanctions Mali’s defence minister, officials over Wagner ties

The United States has taken action by imposing sanctions against Mali’s defense minister and two military officials, alleging their involvement in facilitating the rise of the Russian mercenary group Wagner in the West African nation.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the announcement on Monday, stating that the sanctions target Malian Defence Minister Colonel Sadio Camara, Air Force Chief of Staff Colonel Alou Boi Diarra, and Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel Adama Bagayoko.

According to Blinken, the trio has been actively working to “facilitate and expand Wagner’s presence in Mali since December 2021,” leading to a significant increase in civilian fatalities, which surged by 278 percent after the Russian mercenaries arrived in the country.

Blinken pointed out that many of these civilian deaths occurred during joint operations conducted by the Malian Armed Forces in collaboration with members of the Wagner Group, Al-Jazeera reported.

READ MORE: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/24/us-sanctions-malis-defence-minister-officials-over-wagner-ties

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