Mali: No Russian Mercenaries in These Parts

Mali: No Russian Mercenaries in These Parts

Officials in the West African nation and international battleground said Canada and about a dozen European nations wrongfully accused it of partnering with the shadowy Wagner Group. Government spokesman Abdoulaye Maiga acknowledged that the government had hired “Russian trainers.” However, “elements of a private security company” had not been deployed in Mali, he insisted. “[Mali] formally denies these baseless allegations …

EU Sanctions Wagner Group

EU Sanctions Wagner Group

In a largely symbolic move, the European Union stated that “the Wagner Group is responsible for serious human rights abuses in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Mozambique.” Furthermore, the EU blacklisted eight individuals, including former Russian Military Intelligence (GRU) officer, and suspected Wagner Group founder, Dimitriy Utkin. France was the most outspoken nation. Officials labeled the …

Haiti on the Knife’s Edge

Haiti on the Knife’s Edge

The struggling Caribbean nation cannot seem to get off the ropes. In fact, one journalist said Haiti “is a place that could explode very easily and at any time, because the situation is so bad.” During the summer of 2021, President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated, thousands of Haitain migrants were deported, and a strong earthquake devastated much of the country. …

Military Infrastructure Expansion Continues in Guam

Military Infrastructure Expansion Continues in Guam

Based on a comprehensive, nine-month review, U.S. President Joe Biden has authorized significant upgrades to American military facilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region. In light of rising tensions, mostly over Taiwan, China has been Biden’s main foreign policy priority. As part of the Guam expansions, the U.S. will also upgrade military facilities in Australia. Additionally, a DoD official said the Americans …

U.S. Warns Wagner Group to Stay Out of Mali

U.S. Warns Wagner Group to Stay Out of Mali

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it would be “unfortunate” if mercenaries closely associated with the Kremlin took sides in an ongoing dispute as the country is poised to return to democracy. Mali “remains a linchpin for future stability in the Sahel [area between the Sahara and the Sudanese savannahs] and we have deep concerns about that stability and deep …