Wagner Exits Mali, Handing Over Control to Africa Corps

Wagner has officially departed Mali, ceding control to Africa Corps, a paramilitary group closely linked to the Kremlin. This transfer marks an end to Wagner’s three-and-a-half-year military presence in the country. The Malian junta continues to deny the presence of Wagner operatives, referring to them as “Russian instructors.” The security situation remains precarious, with concerns about increased jihadist attacks and previous human rights allegations against these forces.

In a significant development, the Russian mercenary group Wagner has officially exited Mali, handing over its operations to another Kremlin-backed military entity, Africa Corps. According to various diplomatic and security sources, this transition marks the end of Wagner’s three-and-a-half-year presence in the country. The handover has raised numerous questions about the future of Russia’s military involvement in the region.

Sources active in the Sahel noted that, despite the announced departure, there are indications that Africa Corps is stepping up its activities. A source quoted by French news agency AFP remarked, “Officially, Wagner is no longer present in Mali. But the Africa Corps is stepping up.” Meanwhile, a Telegram account connected to Wagner stated, “Mission accomplished. PMC Wagner is going home.” However, officials in Bamako have remained tight-lipped on the matter, continuing the Malian junta’s narrative that these are merely “Russian instructors” aiding their military efforts.

Mali, along with its neighboring countries of Burkina Faso and Niger, has been embroiled in a fight against an insurgency that has seen armed groups, some linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State, inflict severe violence. Following military coups that took power in 2020 and 2021, Mali has pivoted away from France—its former colonial power—and towards Russia, seeking military and political support. After strained relations with the Malian junta, France withdrew its troops in 2022, marking a shift in Mali’s defense policies.

Wagner, renowned for its role in various conflicts, underwent reorganization after the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in August 2023 following a brief rebellion against the Kremlin. Observers report that the Kremlin remains firmly in control of operations and personnel in Mali. It was noted that many Wagner operatives will be integrated into Africa Corps while retaining a presence in Bamako and northern regional capitals.

Africa Corps, seen as Wagner’s successor, is similarly involved in supporting multiple African governments, aiming to continue the fight against jihadist factions. A Malian security source commented, “Wagner yesterday or Africa Corps today, our point of contact remains the same, it is the central power in Russia, that is to say the Kremlin.” Analysts suggest that while Wagner has bolstered the Malian military’s defenses, the Africa Corps will need to engage in more training and support as recent attacks have posed new challenges to the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA).

Human rights organizations have routinely condemned the brutal tactics employed by Wagner in Mali. A UN report alleges that Mali’s military, in tandem with foreign fighters, has executed hundreds during anti-jihadist operations, claims which the junta denies. Notably, reports arose last April indicating that bodies were found near a military camp just days after the military and Wagner captured civilians in the area. Human Rights Watch has also documented deliberate killings attributed to both the Malian armed forces and Wagner over several months.

In light of Wagner’s exit, concerns are growing regarding Mali’s security landscape, particularly as the Malian army witnesses a series of increased jihadist assaults that have led to significant casualties among troops and military bases being compromised. This transition to Africa Corps highlights both the ongoing complexities of Mali’s security environment and the evolving nature of foreign military support in the region.

The departure of Wagner from Mali signals a shift in Russia’s military strategy in the region, with Africa Corps now taking the reins. While Wagner’s exit has been somewhat affirmed by various sources, the Malian junta continues to downplay its significance. The history of violence and brutal tactics associated with these paramilitary groups raise ongoing concerns regarding the human rights implications and the stability of the region as Mali faces escalating jihadist threats. Moving forward, the effectiveness of Africa Corps in addressing security challenges remains to be seen.

Original Source: www.inkl.com