Russia, France vying for influence in Mali

Nahla Abdelmonem                                       

The African Sahel region suffers poor security conditions.

These conditions compound deteriorating political conditions in the region.

This is most manifest in Mali, an African country that buzzes with conflicts.

The intertwined interests of foreign powers, especially France and Russia, complicate these conflicts even more.

The same interests and conflicts raise questions about the prospects of terrorist groups in Mali.

These interests also raise speculation about terrorism in the region as a whole, especially in light of emerging differences between the Malian government and France, particularly over the government’s desire to negotiate with al-Qaeda, instead of fighting it.

Paris is expressed opposition to the move.

International conflicts

France has strong influence in the African Sahel region, one that derives from a number of factors, including shared language and strong political links between Paris and the countries of the region.

However, France and Russia appear to be vying for influence in the same region.

On September 29, French Defense Minister, Florence Parly, warned the Malian government against using the services of Russia’s Wagner Company for security.

Minister Parly threatened to internationally isolate Mali and stop supporting its government in case it moved ahead with enlisting the services of the Russian company.

France described Wagner as a ‘bunch of mercenaries’.

Tensions escalated between the French and Malian governments against the backdrop of remarks by Malian interim Prime Minister, Choguel Kokalla Maïga, who accused France of abandoning his country midway.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, Maïga lashed out at France for withdrawing its force from Mali.

He used the same withdrawal to justify his country’s recourse to other partners to fill in the void left behind by the French.