Russian mercenaries expected to grow in Mali post-French exit: US officials
US official: ‘We absolutely expect an increase in Wagner numbers, to go up in Mali as the French leave’
Diplomats fear the exit of 2,400 French troops from Mali could worsen violence, destabilize neighbors and spur migration
Updated 17 February 2022
Reuters
WASHINGTON: The number of Russian mercenaries in Mali are expected to increase after France and military allies said they would leave the West African country, US officials said on Thursday.
Diplomats fear the exit of 2,400 French troops from Mali — the epicenter of violence in the Sahel region and strongholds of both Al-Qaeda and Daesh affiliates — could worsen violence, destabilize neighbors and spur migration.
A French-led mission of 14 mainly European nations with 600-900 soldiers in Mali is also winding up.
President Emmanuel Macron said the withdrawal would take four to six months, during which there would be fewer operations against extremists.
Two senior US defense officials said, on condition of anonymity, there were between 3,000 and 5,000 private military contractors from the Russian Wagner Group across the African continent.
Between 800 and 1,000 contractors from the Wagner group are in Mali, the officials said.
“We absolutely expect an increase in Wagner numbers, to go up in Mali as the French leave,” one official said. “What we’re specifically watching for is perhaps any lethal weapons that may move (in).”
The European Union has imposed sanctions on the Wagner Group, accusing it of clandestine operations on the Kremlin’s behalf.
President Vladimir Putin has said the group does not represent the Russian state, but that private military contractors have the right to work anywhere in the world as long as they do not break Russian law.
The officials added that they had not seen a change in Russian mercenary numbers in or out of Mali due to Russia’s military buildup around Ukraine.
“But that is something that we’ll always be concerned about and we’ll continue to watch very closely,” the official added.
Russia denies planning an invasion of Ukraine and said this week it was pulling back some of its more than 150,000 troops near the frontier. Washington says Russia is in fact sending more forces.
LONDON: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has switched on the Ramadan lights as British Muslims prepare to welcome the fasting month this week.
“A beautiful celebration of the holy month and a reminder that our city is a beacon of hope, unity, and inclusivity. A city where diversity is a strength, and where everyone is loved and wanted,” Khan wrote on X.
The heart of London’s West End is now illuminated by 30,000 LED bulbs for the fourth consecutive year, celebrating culture, cuisine, and community during the holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Rahima Aziz BEM, a trustee of the charitable Aziz Foundation, told Arab News that organizing the canopy of lights on Coventry Street, near Piccadilly Circus, has expanded every year since 2023.
“And what started as just a simple light installation has become something where you can really experience the spirit of Ramadan and what it has to offer,” she said.
For this year’s program, the Aziz Foundation has organized “Shared Lights,” an interfaith art exhibition in the basement of the Zedwell Hotel, featuring 20 artists from across the UK who explore the values central to Ramadan, including love, peace, generosity, and hope.
For this year’s program, the Aziz Foundation has organized “Shared Lights,” an interfaith art exhibition in the Zedwell Hotel’s basement. (Credit: Aziz Foundation)
The charity has also created an interactive digital map of halal and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, allowing visitors to plan their iftar meals from exclusive set menus and locate nearby prayer spaces and evening activities.
“Many young Muslims will choose to have iftar out with their friends and family, in central London. So, we wanted to provide them with more incentive to really spend and boost the local economy, through freebies and special discounts,” Aziz said.
An estimated 4 million British Muslims live across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, with over 1 million living in London alone, according to the 2021 census. London was the first major European city to adorn its central streets with Ramadan lights, which have become part of the city’s calendar alongside Hanukkah and Diwali.
A sign that reads “Happy Ramadan,” decorated with stars and crescent moons, will be illuminated nightly from 5:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., and will then change to “Happy Eid” in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr in March. This year, Ramadan coincides with Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent begins on Feb. 18 and concludes on April 2. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan is expected to start on Feb. 17 and end on March 18.
“Eventually, we’ll get to a time where we’re sharing Ramadan with Christmas, which is just beautiful. Great opportunity for some cross-cultural experiences,” Aziz added.
London was the first major European city to adorn its central streets with Ramadan lights. (Credit: Aziz Foundation)
Ramadan, which follows the lunar Hijri calendar, occurs approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian solar calendar. This year, Muslims in London will fast for between 12 and 14 hours daily. Iftar is held around 5:30 p.m. at the beginning of the month and around 6:30 p.m. as the month approaches the end. However, when Ramadan falls in the summer, the fasting period can last nearly 19 hours, and these hours vary across countries and regions within a country.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the Shahada, a profession of faith, prayer, giving alms, and performing Hajj. Muslims refrain from food, drink, and some activities during daylight for 30 days as a way to reflect on religion, life, and empathize with the poor.
“I grew up in London. I’ve been here most of my life,” Aziz said. “What is really special for me is seeing the curiosity about Ramadan and about Islam increase. Ramadan lights are about making people feel that London is a melting pot of diversity, for everyone.”
