Russia's Africa Corps Takes Over in Mali: The Future of Mercenary Operations
The Russia-backed Wagner Group has announced its departure from Mali after more than three and a half years of combatting Islamic extremists and insurgents in the country. Despite this announcement, Russia will maintain a mercenary presence in Mali through the Africa Corps, a state-controlled paramilitary force. The Africa Corps stated that Wagner's exit will not bring any changes, and the Russian contingent will continue its operations in Mali.
Wagner Group is a private military company that can be hired by governments for security and combat services. The group declared via its Telegram channel that it had successfully completed its mission in Mali by bringing regional capitals under the control of the Malian army, eliminating armed militants, and neutralizing their leaders. Mali, along with neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Niger, has been combating an insurgency for over a decade, involving armed groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State.
As Western influence in the region diminishes, Russia has been increasing its presence in Africa, particularly through the use of mercenaries like the Wagner Group. However, following the death of Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in 2023, Russia has been developing the Africa Corps as a rival force to Wagner. The Africa Corps operates under the direct command of the Russian defense ministry and is part of Moscow's strategy to maintain a presence in areas where Wagner has been active.
There are approximately 2,000 mercenaries in Mali, with an unclear division between Wagner and the Africa Corps. The Russian defense ministry has been in talks with Mali to incorporate more Africa Corps fighters and integrate Wagner mercenaries into the state-controlled paramilitary force. Wagner's presence in Mali began in late 2021 after a military coup, but both the Malian army and Russian mercenaries have faced challenges in curbing violence and have been accused of targeting civilians.
Recent attacks by the al-Qaida linked group JNIM resulted in heavy losses for the Malian army and Russian mercenaries, leading to the possible end of Wagner's mission in Mali. The lack of an official announcement from both Malian authorities and Wagner suggests internal disputes that may have influenced the sudden decision. This development could indicate a new framework for Russian presence in Mali, with the Africa Corps likely playing a significant role in the country's security landscape.