The US has sanctioned entities linked to the Wagner Group in Mali and the Central African Republic, and advised countries in sub-Saharan Africa to 'apply strengthened due diligence practices' in gold trade and mining.
A force of Malian soldiers, backed by the Wagner Group, set out on a five-day military counter-terrorism operation in Mali. By the time the operation was done, at least 500 people lay dead.
The United States has sanctioned a top Russian paramilitary outfit commander and two senior Malian military officials for their roles in one of the most brutal massacres the country has experienced in recent history.