Best known for its mercenaries, the Wagner Group also mines diamonds, spreads disinformation and props up autocrats in an effort to grow Russia’s footprint.
Civilian deaths have spiked in Mali since Russian mercenaries of the Wagner Group began operating alongside the military. In late March, hundreds were executed in the village of Moura.
The State Department and the French foreign ministry said they were alarmed at reports of deaths caused by the Malian armed forces and their allies — Russian mercenaries with the Wagner Group.