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Russia’s Africa Corps Assumes Role in Mali as Wagner Withdraws

The Malian military will maintain strategic cooperation with Moscow under a new force poised to increase training for troops during escalating jihadist violence.

Une banderole "Merci Wagner", en référence au groupe paramilitaire russe, lors d'une manifestation célébrant l'annonce par la France du retrait de ses troupes du Mali, le 19 février 2022 à Bamako
Un mémorial a été érigé suite à la mort du chef du groupe de mercenaires Wagner de Russie et du commandant du groupe en 2023.
Le porte-parole du Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov.
Trois mercenaires russes du groupe Wagner dans le nord du Mali.

Overview

  • Wagner’s official withdrawal from Mali frees up roughly 2,000 Russian mercenaries to be rebranded under Africa Corps, which answers directly to the Russian Defense Ministry.
  • Africa Corps will fill the void left by Wagner by assuming security operations in northern regions and the capital, Bamako, under Kremlin direction.
  • Malian leaders say the strategic partnership with Moscow remains intact; Africa Corps is slated to deliver more extensive training for the Malian army.
  • Human rights organizations warn that Africa Corps comprises many former Wagner operatives and could continue the brutal methods documented under the previous mercenary force.
  • The transition occurs as a surge in jihadist attacks has forced Malian troops to abandon key outposts and heightened fears of further instability.