John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the White House National Security Council, answered journalists’ questions at a daily online press conference.
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 on his intention to exploit African countries,” Kirby said. he said.
Expressing 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 officials in Mali’s transitional government are aware that, despite these monies, terrorism and violent crimes have increased since Wagner’s operations in this country.
In this context, John Kirby pointed to the UN report revealing that the Malian army and Wagner caused the death of more than 500 civilians in the village of Moura.
WITHDRAWAL OF MINUSMA FROM FINANCIAL
On the other hand, regarding the Mali 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 from Mali in the interests of Wagner.
Kirby said that the Malian authorities and Wagner cooperated within the scope of this decision.
Stressing that MINUSMA is a mission dedicated to facilitating economic development and advancing Mali’s transition to democracy, Kirby assessed that the decision to withdraw from MINUSMA will adversely affect Mali’s economy and democratic transition process, and also cause further instability within the country and in the region.
Kirby stated that the USA continues to be the country that provides the most humanitarian aid and development partner to Mali and stated that they will continue to hold Wagner responsible for his destabilizing activities in the region and around the world. (AA)