Russia stalls probes into abuses in Africa
MICHELLE NICHOLS and JONATHAN SAUL RUSSIA is delaying the appointment of panels of independent experts to monitor violations of U.N. sanctions on South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic (CAR)and Mali, diplomats have said, leaving their work in limbo. Russia is unhappy with the number of experts appointed from Western countries, diplomats said and would like more Russians named to the panels. Russia is working to expand its influence in Africa, specifically challenging traditional French sway in Mali and CAR. "Russia indeed put on hold the approval of a number of panels or individual experts," Russia's deputy…