The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced on Monday 11 April that ministers had decided to suspend some of the training of the EUTM Mali and EUCAP Sahel Mali missions for the Malian armed forces and national guard.
The ambassadors of the Member States agreed last week on such a suspension, as abuses carried out by the armed forces with the support of Wagner mercenaries seem to be increasing in Mali (see EUROPE 12925/14).
“Events (in Mali) are forcing us to do so. There is no sufficient guarantee of Wagner’s non-interference”, Mr Borrell explained. “You can’t be involved with soldiers who may be part of these events”, he added.
According to the head of EU diplomacy, the EU will continue to provide training on the laws of war and, where possible, strategic advice.
The High Representative called for EU missions to be deployed in neighbouring countries, adding that the Sahel remains a priority for the Union.
In a document dated 28 February obtained by EUROPE, the European External Action Service proposed to redeploy them to Niger and Burkina Faso (see EUROPE 12904/17). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)