Link to article: https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210921-france-s-defence-minister-warns-mali-against-hiring-russian-mercenary-firm
The government of Mali has been considering hiring 1,000 Russian paramilitaries from the private security firm Wagner. This has caused lots of international controversy and condemnation, and the defence minister of France, Florence Parly, has warned the defence minister of Mali, Colonel Sadio Camara, that an act such as this would result in international isolation. This is in part since the Russian company, which is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been accused of committing abuses, particularly in the Central African Republic. Mali has been considering hiring the Russian paramilitaries partially due to France pledging to withdraw significant amounts of troops that have been stationed in the conflict-ridden country, therefore the government is scrambling to consider all possible ways to “secure the country.” However, Germany has warned that they will consider withdrawing their troops as well if the government proceeds to make a deal with Wagner. Mali has been grappling with political instability after dealing with a jihadist insurgency, and then two military coups in the past year.
Mali’s current government is now faced with a decision that will dictate their future ability to have peaceful and productive relations internationally. Already being looked down upon for the second coup that resulted in the dismantling of the civilian government that they had originally agreed upon, their reputation is faltering and if they choose to move forward with Wagner, it will cost them economic and developmental opportunities with major players in the international community. Furthermore, with the country and government as unstable as it is, it is unlikely that a mere 1,000 Russian paramilitaries will provide enough support to match the power that countries such as France and Germany can provide, especially when there are already 13,000 UN peacekeepers present in the state. By making the choice to stay free of Wagner paramilitaries, the current government has the chance to add legitimacy to its name and avoid the further degradation of an already unstable state.
This situation has many connections to international relations, with the overarching theme relating back to international security due to Mali’s desire for protection driving their consideration of working with Wagner, as well as major international players desiring that Wagner stays uninvolved for the security of Malian civilians and future African countries that Wagner and other Russian companies may involve themselves with. Additionally, the states of Mali, France, Germany, and Russia are involved in this situation while the IGO of the UN also has offered their thoughts. Furthermore, at the heart of the situation sits the non-state actor Wagner. Finally, the principle of dominance is demonstrated in this issue as major international players have threatened to withdraw support from Mali if they go against their wishes.