EU warns Mali, Sahel states over use of Russian mercenaries

By LORNE COOK
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is warning countries of the north African Sahel region to steer clear of Russian mercenaries. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also says the bloc stands ready to impose sanctions on anyone interfering with the transition to civilian rule in Mali. Mali’s interim government has accepted the presence of Wagner Group security contractors on its territory. Last month, the EU slapped sanctions on eight people and three oil companies linked to Wagner, which is accused of rights abuses in the Central African Republic, Libya and Syria. Borrell warned Wednesday of “the great danger that this poses to civilian populations. This group’s methods are incompatible with our collective efforts on security and development.”