Top US diplomat warns Russian group not to interfere in Mali

Published November 20, 2021 6:17 AM

By MATTHEW LEE
AP Diplomatic Writer

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is warning a shadowy Russian group with connections to the Kremlin against interfering in efforts to restore democracy in the West African nation of Mali. America’s top diplomat has wrapped up a weeklong, three-nation tour of Africa with a visit to Senegal, At a news conference in Dakar on Saturday, Blinken said it would be “unfortunate” if Russia’s Wagner Group became active in Mali, where there are internationally backed plans to have a democratically elected government in place by April. Wagner Group mercenaries have been deployed in Syria and in Libya, and that’s drawn increasing concerns from the West and others.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.