U.S. imposes sanctions on three Malian colonels over ties with Wagner group

The United States has taken significant economic measures by imposing sanctions on three Malian military officers, including the Minister of Defense, for their involvement in supporting the activities of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner in Mali. The announcement was made on Monday, and the move aims to address concerns about the group’s expansion and operations in the region.

The officers targeted by the sanctions are Colonel Sadio Camara, who not only serves as the Minister of Defense but also holds French nationality, Colonel Alou Boi Diarra, and Lieutenant-Colonel Adama Bagayoko, both of whom hold positions in the Air Force. The U.S. Treasury released a statement, citing evidence that these officials played a role in enabling and supporting the malicious activities of the Wagner Group in Mali.

Brian Nelson, the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, expressed the motive behind the sanctions, stating that these key Malian officials had contributed to the Wagner Group’s establishment and expansion in Mali over the past two years. The U.S. government alleges that these officials’ actions have not only led to human rights abuses but also exposed their people to destabilizing activities conducted by the Wagner Group, resulting in a sharp increase in civilian casualties.

As part of the sanctions, the assets of the three sanctioned officers within the United States will be frozen, and they will be prohibited from engaging in any transactions with American individuals or companies. These measures are intended to hold them accountable for their role in facilitating the group’s activities and furthering its objectives in Mali.

The Wagner Group, known for its involvement in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and other African countries, has faced previous sanctions from the U.S., with the latest being reiterated in January. However, its future in Africa is now under scrutiny following a 24-hour rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigojine, the group’s leader, in Russia in June. Moscow has indicated that the future presence of the Wagner Group in African countries will be contingent on the decisions of the nations involved.

The U.S. sanctions against the Malian officers represent a significant step in addressing the influence and actions of the Wagner Group in the region. As the situation unfolds, further developments may shed light on the broader implications of these measures on the group’s activities and its role in conflicts across the globe.