France warned Mali against striking a deal with Russian private security group Wagner amid claims the West African country’s military junta is close to hiring 1,000 mercenaries from the controversial firm. Mali’s military rulers are nearing a deal with the Russian paramilitary group, underlining Moscow’s growing influence in the region and triggering fierce opposition from former colonial power France, which has spent eight years fighting terrorism in the troubled Sahel. Wagner Group would be paid about $10.8 million a month for its services.