Departure of ‘Wagner’ from the US: We are concerned about his destabilizing activities
John Kirby, the White House Coordinator of Strategic Communications for the National Security Council, answered questions from reporters in a daily online press briefing.
Expressing that they are deeply concerned about the “destabilizing activities” of the Russian mercenary group Wagner in Africa, Kirby noted that since 2016 Wagner has increased its effectiveness in the Central African Republic and recently in Mali.
“Despite the events of the past weekend, there is no indication that Wagner has given up his intent to exploit African countries,” Kirby said. he said.
Stating that Wagner has been operating in Mali since 2021, Kirby claimed that the transitional government that came to power after the coup paid Wagner more than $200 million.
Kirby said Mali’s transitional government officials know that despite this money, terrorism and violent crime have increased since Wagner’s operations in this country.
In this context, John Kirby pointed to the UN report that reveals that the Malian army and Wagner caused the death of more than 500 civilians in the town of Moura.
WITHDRAWAL OF FINANCIAL MINUSMA
On the other hand, regarding the Malian government’s demand for the immediate termination of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), Kirby stated that its founder, Yevgeniy Prigojin, played a role in demanding the withdrawal of the UN mission in Mali in the interests of Wagner.
Kirby said that the Mali authorities and Wagner cooperated in the area of this decision.
Emphasizing that MINUSMA is a mission dedicated to facilitating economic development and promoting Mali’s transition to democracy, Kirby assessed that the decision to withdraw from MINUSMA will negatively affect Mali’s economy and the democratic transition process, and will also cause further instability. within the country and in the region.
Kirby asserted that the US remains Mali’s largest humanitarian aid provider and development partner and that they will continue to hold Wagner accountable for his destabilizing activities in the region and around the world. (AA)