The Malian military government's decision to deny airspace access to a German military aircraft carrying about 80 soldiers has provoked numerous reactions. The junta's decision forced the Airbus A400M to divert to Gran Canaria.
According to German authorities, the aircraft had already taken off from the Wunstorf airbase in northern Germany and was on its way to a German military base in Niger when Malian authorities gave the order to restrict overflight.
The government did not issue an official statement giving the reasons for ejecting the German aircraft from its airspace, but analysts have expressed concern since the incident. According to some, no African military aircraft is allowed to fly over European airspace, as it always does with impunity in Africa.
Despite these concerns, the German Defense Ministry has maintained that permission was initially obtained; this position has not been confirmed by authorities in Mali.
Currently, Germany, which opposes the use of the Wagner, has deployed about 1,200 troops to Mali as part of a peacekeeping mission.
THE BACK STORY
Germany was among 15 Western allies that had previously released a statement criticizing the Malian military government for using the Russian Wagner in the fight against insurgents in the country. The German defense minister also commented on the junta's operations, and the EU announced possible sanctions against Mali. Many political experts believe this may have influenced the junta's decision.