Africa Business Radio

Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga says Mali's elections meant to usher in a return to democratic rule and set for next February could be postponed by two weeks, two months, a few months. Mr Maïga says it was better to organise peaceful elections, recognised by all, rather than to organise elections that will be disputed.The government could also use the planned withdrawal of French forces from the country to justify an extension of the transition period.Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the Malian government was turning towards private Russian companies to boost its security, seemingly confirming reports that Bamako may be about to sign a security agreement with the controversial Wagner group.