Africa Business Radio

French Defence Minister Florence Parly warned Mali against a deal with Russian private security group Wagner amid claims the West African country’s junta is close to hiring 1,000 mercenaries.Two French sources told AFP that the Malian government was nearing a deal with the controversial Russian firm, which would underline Moscow’s growing influence in the region.A spokesperson for the Malian defence ministry says Mali intends to diversify its relationships in the medium term to ensure the security of the country.The spokesperson says they haven’t signed anything with Wagner, but they are talking with everyone.