Seven diplomatic and security sources have said a deal is being brokered, that would allow Russian mercenaries into Mali, extending Russian influence over security affairs in West Africa and triggering opposition from former colonial power France.
According to sources who separately spoke to Reuters, Paris has begun a diplomatic drive to prevent the military junta in Mali enacting the deal, which would permit Russian private military contractors, the Wagner Group, to operate in the former French colony.
Imoh Edet reports.
