14/04/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 13 April Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop denied the presence of the Wagner company in his country. “Mali does not have a private security company as is alleged here and there. Mali has state-to-state cooperation with Russia and long-term cooperation”, he explained alongside his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock. The EU suspended operational training for the Malian armed forces and national guard (see EUROPE 12930/8) after allegations of abuses in Moura involving Wagner soldiers and mercenaries (see EUROPE 12925/14). “Mali wants to work with all its partners, including Germany, Russia, China and the United States”, explained Mr Diop, hoping that each of his country’s partners would respect Mali’s choices. (CG)