[State Department] We are alarmed by a potential deployment of Russia-backed Wagner Group forces in Mali. We understand that the reported deal -- costing $10 million per month -- diverts money that could be used to support the Malian Armed Forces and public services to pay for the deployment of Yevgeniy Prigozhin's Wagner Group forces to Mali. Wagner forces -- which are known for their destabilizing activities and human rights abuses -- will not bring peace to Mali, but rather will destabilize the country further.
