Bidin' Adieu to Bamako: Wagner Mercenaries Call It Quits in Mali, But Russian Presence Persists with The Africa Corps
Mercenaries affiliated with the Russian Wagner Group seek to terminate their operations in Mali.
In a surprising turn of events, the notorious Russian mercenary group, Wagner, has announced its departure from Mali, claiming mission accomplished after the capture of key cities under the control of the legitimate government [1][2]. After supporting the Malian military junta since late 2021 in their fight against Islamic and rebel factions, Wagner will be returning home, albeit without much explanation for their sudden exit [1][2].
Despite the goodbye from the Wagner group, the Russian military presence in Mali is far from over. The spotlight is now shifting to The Africa Corps, a newly-formed paramilitary group believed to be the successor of Wagner, and directly linked to the Russian Defense Ministry. Speculations suggest that most Russian personnel previously affiliated with Wagner will be reassigned to The Africa Corps, ensuring a persistent presence in the northern regional capitals and the capital city, Bamako [3]. Diplomatic and security sources concur that the Kremlin remains the driving force behind Russia's military intervention in Mali, regardless of the Wagner label [3].
Implications for Mali and the Region
- Enduring Russian Influence: The departure of Wagner does not signal a reduction in Russian military might. The Africa Corps is poised to carry on, and possibly expand, operations, potentially focusing on the training of Malian troops in comparison to Wagner's more operational approach [3].
- Ongoing Security Challenges: The withdrawal happens amid a resurgence of jihadist attacks, with Malian troops abandoning crucial outposts due to lethal assaults, suggesting ongoing instability and security dilemmas [3].
- Human Rights Woes: Wagner's time in Mali has been marred by severe human rights abuses, including mass murders and looting, with concerns that similar tactics may persist under the new Russia-backed paramilitary group [1][3].
- Diplomatic Tensions: Mali has severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing it of aiding the Tuareg-led rebels, an assertion Ukraine denies. This move has put Mali at odds with Western allies [1].
- Regional Instability: The transition from Wagner to The Africa Corps ensures that Russia maintains a strategic position in the Sahel, potentially raising its influence at the expense of Western nations and contributing to regional geopolitical realignment [3].
All in all, while Wagner checks out of Mali, the Russian military presence remains through a rebranded and similarly-aligned paramilitary force, with significant implications for Mali's security, human rights, and regional geopolitics [1][2][3].
Russian politics and general news continue to be closely intertwined, as the departure of Wagner mercenaries from Mali does not necessarily signal a withdrawal of Russian influence. Instead, the Africa Corps, believed to be a successor group to Wagner, is taking over, ensuring a persistent Russian presence in Mali. This development comes amid ongoing military and human rights issues in Mali, and potential repercussions for regional geopolitics.
