Wagner crisis between Mali and France

Fotoğraf: Reuters/Amadou Keita Political crises in sub-Saharan African countries are generally analysed through the lenses of external actors. It is implied or directly stated that former colonial countries and global powers played a decisive role in these developments. Internal political circumstances in the country in question and the personal and social factors behind the decisions and actions of the ruling elite are usually disregarded. Moreover, the rulers of African countries are shown as passive members of international relations. A similar process is taking place regarding the recent diplomatic crisis between France and Mali. The crisis emerged in the aftermath of the news about the negotiations between the government of Mali and the Russian mercenary group Wagner for a security deal. According to reports in the press, the draft agreement contains terms such as Wagner sending around 1,000 Russian mercenaries to Bamako in order to provide VIP protection to...