In an announcement via their Telegram channel, the Wagner Group declared their withdrawal from Mali, stating they have successfully completed their main mission in the country. The mercenary group, which has been present in Mali since 2021, collaborated with the military to combat Islamist militant forces.
Wagner Group Announces Withdrawal from Mali After Mission Completion
Wagner Group Announces Withdrawal from Mali After Mission Completion
The Russian paramilitary organization is set to exit Mali, claiming it achieved its objectives against Islamist militants.
Wagner asserted that their efforts resulted in the deaths of "thousands of militants and their commanders" who have long terrorized the civilian population. This announcement coincided with reports of Malian troops withdrawing from a pivotal military base following a recent surge of deadly attacks.
Mali has faced ongoing militant threats for over ten years, leading to a military coup in 2020 after the government faced criticism for its inability to handle the insecurity. French military forces, initially deployed to support the previous civilian government, withdrew in 2022, allowing the military junta to forge a partnership with Wagner to counteract the insurgency.
Recent months have seen a spike in assaults on military forces in the region, with a significant attack by an al-Qaeda affiliate resulting in extensive casualties among Malian soldiers. The group, known as Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for several recent offensives targeting military installations.
In light of these heightened threats, locals reported a "strategic" withdrawal of troops from the Boulkessi base after a deadly attack left many soldiers dead. Despite Wagner's exit, Russian military presence in Mali may persist through another Russian mercenary force, Africa Corps, which intends to take over Wagner's engagements on the continent.
Russia's military and economic influence in West and Central Africa is growing, though the future of Wagner's operations, particularly in the Central African Republic, remains uncertain with this latest announcement.
As the situation in Mali evolves, concerns persist over the effectiveness of mercenary forces in stabilizing the region amidst ongoing violence and insurgent threats.
Mali has faced ongoing militant threats for over ten years, leading to a military coup in 2020 after the government faced criticism for its inability to handle the insecurity. French military forces, initially deployed to support the previous civilian government, withdrew in 2022, allowing the military junta to forge a partnership with Wagner to counteract the insurgency.
Recent months have seen a spike in assaults on military forces in the region, with a significant attack by an al-Qaeda affiliate resulting in extensive casualties among Malian soldiers. The group, known as Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for several recent offensives targeting military installations.
In light of these heightened threats, locals reported a "strategic" withdrawal of troops from the Boulkessi base after a deadly attack left many soldiers dead. Despite Wagner's exit, Russian military presence in Mali may persist through another Russian mercenary force, Africa Corps, which intends to take over Wagner's engagements on the continent.
Russia's military and economic influence in West and Central Africa is growing, though the future of Wagner's operations, particularly in the Central African Republic, remains uncertain with this latest announcement.
As the situation in Mali evolves, concerns persist over the effectiveness of mercenary forces in stabilizing the region amidst ongoing violence and insurgent threats.
