Mali: Wagner exit opens way for Kremlin‑run Africa Corps

Russia’s Wagner Group has officially withdrawn from Mali this month, ending a 3½‑year deployment supporting Bamako’s junta. Yet, the newly introduced Africa Corps—under direct Kremlin defence and GRU oversight—will remain, signaling continuity in Moscow’s Sahel strategy, as Al Jazeera and other outlets report.

Despite overlapping personnel, Africa Corps differs from Wagner: it operates more as a training and asset‑protection force within the Russian military chain‑of‑command rather than a mercenary outfit. Analysts note that while Wagner engaged aggressively in combat, Africa Corps is structured for caution and formalised oversight.

Mali’s junta welcomed Wagner as an anti‑Western bulwark following the 2021 coup. However, insecurity persists: jihadist raids recently hit over three military camps and Timbuktu. Human rights abuses under Wagner also drew criticism, prompting Russia to reassert control and tighten accountability.

As Africa Corps solidifies Russia’s footprint, observers warn its presence may entrench Sahel militaries—without resolving the region’s deeper political and security crises.