The Government of the United States has imposed sanctions on the Malian Minister of Defense, Col. Sadio Camara and two army chiefs over their dealings with the Russian Private Military Company (PMC), Wagner.
The sanctions announced by the Department of Treasury on Monday evening, said the trio worked closely with the dreaded Russian PMC since December 2021.
“Today, the United States is designating three Malian officials who have worked closely with the Wagner Group to facilitate and expand Wagner’s presence in Mali since December 2021,” said the statement. Washington specified that civilian deaths in Mali surged by over 200% since Wagner put boots on the ground in the coup prevalent West African country.
“Civilian fatalities have surged by 278 percent since Wagner forces deployed to Mali in December 2021. Many of those deaths were the result of operations conducted by Malian Armed Forces alongside members of the Wagner Group,” added the statement.
The U.S noted that it will continue to take action against those who facilitate the Wagner Group’s destabilizing activities, which pose threats to peace and security in Mali and the region.
“As the largest bilateral donor of development and humanitarian assistance to Mali, the United States supports the people of Mali in their aspirations for peace, prosperity, and democracy,” said Treasury.
Defense Minister Col Sadio Camara, Air Force Chief of Staff Colonel Alou Boi Diarra, and Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel Adama Bagayoko are designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O) 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the Wagner Group, a U.S.-designated entity.
Last month Washington announced sanctions against two gold companies in the Central African Republic and a Wagner Group executive’s associate of the Malian Government over gold mining dealings with the Russian mercenary force.
