Russia’s Wagner Group, a private military company known for its operations in conflict zones, has announced that it is pulling out of Mali after completing its mission. The group says it has helped the Malian military government regain control over the country’s regional centers and hold back Islamist insurgents.
In a statement on its Telegram channel, Wagner declared, “Private Military Company Wagner returns home,” marking the end of its three-and-a-half-year involvement in the West African nation. Wagner first arrived in Mali in December 2021 after a military coup ousted French and United Nations-backed forces.
For over a decade, Mali has been battling armed Islamist groups, including those linked to al-Qaeda. This insurgency has spread across the Sahel region, affecting neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Niger. The ongoing violence has forced many young Malians to flee their homes, with some risking dangerous journeys across the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe.
Wagner’s deployment was meant to replace French troops who were part of “Operation Barkhane,” an initiative led by France to combat jihadist forces in West Africa. However, the presence of Wagner fighters raised concerns among the United States and European nations. They warned that the group’s involvement could worsen security conditions and harm civilians.
There have been reports linking Wagner to human rights abuses in Mali. In February, the Malian army investigated the deaths of 24 people, including members of the Tuareg minority, during an ambush near the northern city of Gao. Allegations pointed to possible involvement by Wagner mercenaries. The United Nations has urged Mali’s authorities to investigate claims of executions and disappearances connected to mercenary activities.
Despite Wagner’s efforts, violence continues in Mali. Just a week before their announced withdrawal, more than 30 Malian soldiers were killed in an attack by a group associated with al-Qaeda at an army base in the north.
Russia isn’t ending its involvement in Mali altogether. The Kremlin-backed Africa Corps, a new paramilitary group, will continue operations in the country. The Africa Corps plans to train local forces and provide military equipment. Interestingly, it’s estimated that up to 80% of its fighters are former Wagner personnel.
This shift comes after the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in 2023. The Africa Corps has since stepped in to continue Russia’s strategic interests in Africa.
As Mali faces ongoing challenges from insurgent groups, the withdrawal of Wagner and the continued presence of Russian forces highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region. The hope is for stability and peace to return to Mali and its neighbors in the Sahel.
