The United States accused Russian military contractors backed by the Kremlin on January 10 of interfering in the internal affairs of African countries and “increasing the likelihood that violent extremism will grow” in the Sahel region, which is facing increasing attacks and deteriorating security, an allegation Russia denied. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Richard Mills lashed out at the Vagner Group at a UN Security Council meeting, accusing its paramilitary forces of failing to address the extremist threat, robbing countries of their resources, committing human rights abuses, and endangering the safety and security of UN peacekeepers and staff.
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