Mali’s Election To Be Postponed

Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga says Mali&#039;s elections meant to usher in a return to democratic rule and set for next February could be postponed by two weeks, two months, a few months. <br />Mr Maïga says it was better to organise peaceful elections, recognised by all, rather than to organise elections that will be disputed.<br />The government could also use the planned withdrawal of French forces from the country to justify an extension of the transition period.<br />Russia&#039;s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the Malian government was turning towards private Russian companies to boost its security, seemingly confirming reports that Bamako may be about to sign a security agreement with the controversial Wagner group.