The Russian paramilitary group Wagner has officially exited Mali, with its units being replaced by operatives from the Moscow-run Africa Corps, according to diplomatic and security sources. This development signifies a notable shift in the security landscape of the region.
An official statement from sources in the Sahel region confirms that Wagner is no longer active in Mali. “Officially, Wagner is no longer present in Mali. But the Africa Corps is stepping up,” remarked a diplomatic source. In a related communication on a Telegram account associated with Wagner, the group proclaimed, “Mission accomplished. PMC Wagner is going home.”
The transition comes in the aftermath of significant political shifts within Mali. The country’s ruling junta, which has governed since seizing power in coups in 2020 and 2021, severed its ties with France, its former colonial power, and has since sought military and political support from Russia.
Wagner, known for its controversial operations and close ties to the Kremlin, was disbanded and restructured following the mysterious death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in August 2023. Following his demise, the group’s influence in Mali waned, leading to this current transition.
Despite the change, Mali has maintained a narrative of denying Wagner’s operations within its borders, consistently asserting that it collaborates only with Russian instructors. The diplomatic source emphasized that the Kremlin continues to exercise control in the region, stating, “Most of the Wagner personnel in Mali, who are originally from Russia, will be reintegrated into Africa Corps and remain in northern regional capitals and Bamako.”
The Africa Corps is recognized as a successor to Wagner, sharing similar links to the Kremlin. This new entity is involved in supporting multiple African governments, thereby expanding Russia’s reach and influence on the continent. As the situation evolves, the implications of these changes for both Mali and broader regional stability remain to be seen.
