Concerns in Chamber about Russian mercenaries Mali: ‘The Netherlands should not be associated with that’ | Inland

On Wednesday, the House will debate a proposed new contribution to the UN mission in Mali. The cabinet wants to send a Dutch C-130 transport aircraft with crew and support personnel to Mali. Our people have to relieve the Portuguese there from mid-November in a so-called rotational mission, and stay there for six months.

Recently, media reported on a deal between Malian authorities and the shadowy Wagner Group. The Wagner Group is suspected of having close ties with President Vladimir Putin. The Russians deny, saying their law doesn’t allow mercenaries. In any case, the possibility that the Dutch will come to stand side by side with members of the Russian paramilitary movement in the House of Representatives is going too far.

‘Corruption’

“This group is known for corruption and gross human rights violations. The Netherlands should not be associated with that,” says VVD MP Brekelmans. “We cannot imagine that on the one hand we work with the UN and the Malians work with the Wagner Group on the other,” says D66 MP Sjoerdsma.

The parties want a promise from the government that the Netherlands will not suddenly find itself in a situation in which cooperation with the Wagner Group is necessary. SP member Van Dijk points out that allies have issued an ultimatum, and France, among others, says it will withdraw from Mali if it appears that the Wagner Group is present there.

The cabinet has not yet been able to confirm that there is actually a deal between Mali and the Wagner Group, say the outgoing ministers Knapen (Foreign Affairs) and Kamp (Defence). ,,If it turns out that Russian mercenaries are present, then that is something we have to do something about,” said Kamp.

,,If a contract is signed with Wagner, it will have serious consequences,” promises Minister Knapen. He does not want to say exactly what those consequences are without confirming the reports. “That will depend on the content of that agreement.” That must also be coordinated with allies.

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