The Russian paramilitary group Wagner has left Mali and its units there have been taken over by the Moscow-run Africa Corps.
According to diplomatic and security source in the Sahel region, “Officially, Wagner is no longer present in Mali. But the Africa Corps is stepping up.”
Mali’s ruling junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, broke off ties with former colonial power France and pivoted towards Russia for political and military support.
Wagner, Russia’s best-known mercenary group, was disbanded and restructured after its leader Yevgeny died in a mysterious plane crash in August 2023 following a short-lived rebellion against Moscow.
Mali has never officially admitted Wagner’s presence, insisting it only worked with Russian instructors.
“The Kremlin remains in control.
“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 same diplomatic source added.
The Africa Corps is another paramilitary group with links to the Kremlin and seen as the successor to the Wagner Group. Like Wagner, its mercenaries are active supporting several African governments.