Algeria watches as Russia shifts strategy in Mali

Algeria is closely monitoring Russia’s Wagner Group withdrawal from Mali, amid a surge in JNIM attacks, Arab Weekly reports. Wagner’s exit follows heavy losses—including recent clashes near the Algerian border—and coincides with a sharp rise in jihadist offensives by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin. Though Moscow claims Wagner bolstered Malian control, its departure underscores fragilities in the Sahel’s security landscape.

Observers suggest the move reflects a delicate recalibration: Russia may be centralising military activity under its African Corps, and Algeria may have leveraged a confidential U.S. military pact to limit foreign mercenary influence near its border. The transition to African Corps aims for tighter Kremlin oversight, replacing Wagner’s autonomy. The shift signals evolving Sahel geopolitics as jihadist advance continues, and underscores Algeria’s sensitivity to external forces impacting its security environment.