Blinken cautions Russia’s Wagner group from intervening in Mali.

DAKAR AFP) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken advised the clandestine Russian mercenary company Wagner on Saturday not to get involved in Mali, as he pushed for a civilian transition in the troubled nation.

During a visit to Senegal, Blinken stated that the US was “contributing to efforts with Mali and allies in support of stability” in the war-torn country.

“I would just add that I believe it would be extremely regrettable if foreign players engaged in making things even more difficult and convoluted, and I am particularly thinking of groups like the Wagner Group in Mali,” he added.

The private military force, which Western capitals say is tightly linked to the Kremlin, has been linked to wars in Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East.

France has been in the forefront of efforts to target Wagner following its reported agreement with Mali’s military junta to send 1,000 contractors to assist in the country’s long-running war with Islamists.

The West African regional body ECOWAS sanctioned individual members of the country’s military junta earlier this month.

Blinken stated that he had agreed with Senegalese officials to hold Mali to the ECOWAS deadline of conducting elections next year, and that Mali will get incentives from the US.

“We look forward to taking the necessary steps to restart the full range of support as soon as this democratically elected administration takes office,” added Blinken.

“However, it must adhere to the transition path outlined by ECOWAS,” he said.