Wagner Exits Mali as Africa Corps Takes Control in Military Shift

The Russian paramilitary group Wagner has officially left Mali after three years, transferring control to Africa Corps, another Kremlin-aligned military group. This change comes amid rising jihadist violence and ongoing allegations of human rights abuses involving Wagner. The Malian junta has consistently referred to Wagner personnel as “Russian instructors,” avoiding direct acknowledgment of foreign mercenaries on its soil. The Kremlin’s influence remains significant as Africa Corps assumes operational duties.

In a significant shift in Mali’s military landscape, the Russian paramilitary group Wagner has officially exited the country and is replacing its presence with Africa Corps, another military group aligned with the Kremlin. Diplomatic and security sources revealed this development on Sunday, marking the end of Wagner’s three-and-a-half-year intervention in the region.

Reports indicate that Africa Corps is poised to take over responsibilities in Mali as Wagner disbands. A source from the Sahel noted, “Officially, Wagner is no longer present in Mali. But the Africa Corps is stepping up.” Notably, a Telegram account linked to Wagner stated, “Mission accomplished. PMC Wagner is going home.”

In Bamako, the capital of Mali, official circles did not confirm or deny the departure of the Wagner units. The Malian junta has consistently refrained from acknowledging the presence of these mercenaries, using the term “Russian instructors” instead. For over a decade, Mali, alongside neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Niger, has faced an insurgency fueled by armed groups, some forming alliances with al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

The situation escalated after military juntas took control of the government in 2020 and 2021, which resulted in Mali severing ties with France, its former colonial power, and seeking military assistance from Russia. In 2022, France withdrew its forces, citing deteriorating relations and rising anti-French sentiment.

Following the recent turmoil, Wagner, the most recognized of Russia’s mercenary outfits, has undergone changes, particularly after the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in an unexplained plane crash back in August. This incident marked the decline of Wagner’s operational capacity. Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to exert control over military engagements in Mali, as indicated by various diplomatic sources.

“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,” asserted one diplomatic source. Furthermore, Africa Corps is considered a successor to Wagner and is expected to maintain support across several African nations, similar to Wagner’s prior role.

For more than three years, Mali has depended on Wagner to tackle jihadism, which poses a severe threat to national security. However, analysts suggest that Africa Corps will have to initiate further training for the local army in wake of recent attacks that have troubled the Malian Armed Forces. Beverly Ochieng from the Center for Strategic and International Studies commented, “Although Wagner claims that its operations and support strengthened the Malian army, Africa Corps will need to continue training and support, especially after the recent wave of attacks against the FAMA.”

The brutality associated with Wagner’s activities has not gone unnoticed; human rights groups have consistently condemned its tactics. A United Nations report alleged that Mali’s military, along with foreign troops, executed at least 500 individuals during an anti-jihadist operation in Moura back in March 2022, a claim the junta has rejected. Additionally, there have been reports of civilian casualties linked to the collaboration between Wagner and Mali’s military.

The shifting of power from Wagner to Africa Corps occurs amid claims by the Malian army of a “resurgence” in jihadist attacks, which have led to the deaths of numerous soldiers and the abandonment of a significant military base.

The departure of Wagner from Mali and its replacement by Africa Corps signals a pivotal change in the country’s ongoing battle against insurgents. While Wagner leaves under the banner of “mission accomplished,” the challenges persist as the new group takes charge amid increasing jihadist violence. Human rights concerns continue to loom large as both entities are scrutinized for their purported brutality against civilians. This transition underscores the delicate balance Mali is attempting to maintain between foreign support and internal stability.

Original Source: www.inkl.com