> Britain's military withdrawal from Mali was inevitable. Once the French announced they were leaving their former West African colony it was unsustainable for the UK to maintain its small contingent, based in the remote town of Gao. Taken together, the departure of western forces from this troubled Sahel nation is a setback for global counter-terrorism. Ten years ago the French rushed in troops to successfully stop al-Qaeda from overrunning the capital. David Cameron, Britain's PM at the time, vowed Britain would play its part to stop it becoming a wellspring for jihadist terrorism. But a recent military coup has wrecked relations between Mali and the western nations trying to shore up its security. Mali's leaders have gone into partnership with Russia's Wagner mercenary group. Not only are these former Russian soldiers accused of committing atrocities in Africa but Wagner have mounted an effective social media campaign to persuade local citizens to drive out the French. Both the British and French governments are trying to put a brave face on this dire situation, saying they will continue to monitor the region from nearby countries like Niger. But the truth is the West has lost the battle for hearts and minds in Mali and there is now a growing risk that the jihadists of the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda will exploit this situation to their own advantage.

Wagner scumbags fucking up another country for profit.