Wagner Mercenaries Departing Mali, but Russian Presence Persists
Wagner fighters formally withdraw from Mali, yet remain in country covertly
The Russian private military company Wagner, notorious for its role in Ukraine, has officially concluded its mission in Mali. The group's departure is not indicative of a full Russian withdrawal from the West African nation as the African Corps, a state-controlled Russian force, has taken charge.
In Mali since 2021, Wagner's primary objective was to support the military junta in their battle against Islamist insurgents. They claimed to have contributed significantly to the junta's efforts, helping regain control over regional capitals and eliminating a substantial number of militants.
Despite accusations of profiting from Mali's gold reserves in exchange for services, the Wagner Group's presence helped solidify Russia's influence in the region, ultimately strengthening ties between Moscow and the Malian government.
While the Wagner Group's exit marks a strategic reorganization of Russia's military involvement in Mali, the African Corps' subsequent takeover fortifies this Russian presence in the country. As a force under the direct control of the Russian Defense Ministry, the Africa Corps is poised to maintain and build upon the legacy of its Wagner counterparts.
In the wake of the Wagner Group's withdrawal, it seems that Mali and Russia's strategic partnership remains robust, with Russia still providing essential military support to the Malian government. This unbroken alliance, forged since the junta severed ties with Western powers, is likely to persist, ensuring that Russia maintains its critical role as a key military partner for Mali.
Looking forward, it is expected that the transition of operations from Wagner to the Africa Corps will be seamless, with many former Wagner personnel now serving in the latter. This ongoing support will likely intensify Russia's hold on Mali, further distancing the country from Western allies. However, the protracted conflict in Mali poses challenges not only for the Malian government but also for its Russian supporters.
- The ongoing employment of the African Corps, a state-controlled Russian force, in Mali indicates a continuation of Russia's involvement in the country's employment policy, as they maintain and build upon the legacy left by the Wagner Group.
- As the Mali-Russia strategic partnership remains robust, with Russia providing essential military support to the Malian government, it suggests that the employment policy in this realm is likely to persist, ensuring that Russia maintains its critical role as a key military partner for Mali.
