Wagner Group Withdraws from Mali Amid Heavy Losses, Russia’s Africa Corps Remains Active

The Wagner Group, a paramilitary organization backed by Russia, announced its departure from Mali after over three years of involvement in combating Islamic extremists and insurgents. Despite this withdrawal, the Russian mercenary presence in Mali will continue through the Africa Corps, a state-controlled paramilitary force that has asserted there will be no significant changes following Wagner’s exit.

In a message on Telegram, the Wagner Group proclaimed, “Mission accomplished. Private Military Company Wagner returns home.”

They claimed responsibility for bringing regional capitals under the control of the Malian army, expelling armed militants, and defeating their leaders. Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has struggled with insurgencies involving groups tied to al-Qaida and the Islamic State for over a decade.

As Western influence has diminished, Russia has attempted to fill the void by offering military assistance. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in 2023, and the failed rebellion against President Vladimir Putin, Russia has shifted its strategy by creating the Africa Corps as a rival to Wagner.

The Africa Corps operates under the direct command of the Russian defense ministry, and according to U.S. officials, about 2,000 mercenaries remain in Mali, though the exact numbers within each group are unclear. Security analyst Beverly Ochieng noted that negotiations were occurring to transition Wagner fighters into the Africa Corps.

The death of Prigozhin has led to a restructuring aimed at integrating Wagner personnel under Russian military command. Wagner’s presence in Mali began in late 2021 after a military coup, and while their mission was initially framed as fighting militants, accusations of civilian targeting have surfaced.

The recent announcement of their departure coincides with reports of heavy losses incurred by both the Malian army and Russian mercenaries in recent clashes with al-Qaida-affiliated groups. This shift could indicate a new approach with a focus on training and support rather than direct combat.