Overview

• Wagner announced via Telegram that it has completed its mission of restoring regional centres to Malian military control and is returning to Russia
• Africa Corps, made up of around 70–80% former Wagner fighters under the Russian defence ministry, will remain on the ground
• Analysts say the shift signals a move away from direct combat toward training, logistics and protective services for Malian forces
• The pullout follows a series of deadly Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin attacks that killed more than 100 Malian soldiers and mercenaries
• International observers have documented abuses by both Malian troops and Russian mercenaries, underscoring ongoing human rights concerns