Wagner Group Exits Mali After Heavy Losses, Russia’s Africa Corps to Stay

The Wagner Group is leaving Mali after over three years of fighting, while Russia will maintain its military presence through the Africa Corps. Despite Wagner’s claim of success, the withdrawal comes after the Malian army and Russian forces faced significant losses against insurgents. Experts suggest a strategic shift as Africa Corps may emphasize training over direct combat, indicating a change in Russian strategy in the region.

The Wagner Group announced its departure from Mali on Friday, concluding over three and a half years of military engagement against Islamic extremists. Though Wagner’s fighters are leaving, Russia has confirmed that its presence will continue in Mali through the Africa Corps, a state-controlled paramilitary unit. The Africa Corps stated on its Telegram channel that the dynamics of the Russian military involvement in the region will not change, and it is fully maintaining operations in Mali.

Wagner Group proclaimed its success in the mission, stating through its Telegram channel, “Mission accomplished. Private Military Company Wagner returns home.” The group claimed it had secured control of regional capitals for the Malian army, expelled armed militants, and eliminated their commanders. However, Mali, along with neighboring nations like Burkina Faso and Niger, has been facing ongoing violence from various armed groups, some of which have ties to al-Qaida and Islamic State.

As Western influence declines in West Africa, Russia has made strides to fill that gap, initially through the Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash earlier this year, the Kremlin has pivoted towards establishing the Africa Corps as a replacement paramilitary force under direct command of the Ministry of Defense.

Current estimations by U.S. officials indicate there are around 2,000 mercenaries operating in Mali, but it remains unclear how that number is divided between Wagner and the Africa Corps. Security analyst Beverly Ochieng noted that the Russian defense ministry was in discussions with Mali to facilitate an increase in Africa Corps personnel and potentially absorb Wagner fighters into this new structure. “Since the death of Prigozhin, Russia has had this whole plan to then make the Wagner Group fall under the command of the Ministry of Defense,” Ochieng stated.

Wagner’s role in Mali has been underscored by the group’s arrival in late 2021 following a military coup, taking over from French troops and international peacekeepers in efforts to counter militants. However, both the Malian forces and Russian mercenaries have been criticized for their inability to quell violence, with accusations of civilian targeting surfacing frequently. The United Nations recently recommended that Mali investigate reports of summary executions linked to Wagner and its military partners.

Reports indicate that the announcement of Wagner’s withdrawal follows significant losses suffered during recent attacks by the al-Qaida affiliated group JNIM. Last week, JNIM launched a deadly assault on a military installation in central Mali, killing numerous soldiers. Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel expert, remarked that the recent large-scale losses could signify an end to Wagner’s mission. He added, “The lack of an official and mutual announcement from both the Malian authorities and Wagner indicates possible internal disputes that led to this sudden decision.”

Experts suggest that a transition to Africa Corps troops would likely alter Russia’s strategy from direct combat to a more training-centric approach. Ulf Laessing, who leads the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, mentioned, “Africa Corps has a lighter footprint and focuses more on training, providing equipment and doing protection services.” This shift suggests that the growing Russian military influence in Mali will be markedly different from Wagner’s more aggressive tactics as the nation continues to struggle against rising insurgency.

In summary, the Wagner Group’s decision to withdraw from Mali marks the end of a significant phase in Russia’s military involvement in the region. Nonetheless, the Russia-backed Africa Corps will remain, suggesting a strategic shift from direct combat to a focus on training and assistance. As Mali continues to grapple with the insurgency, the future of Russia’s influence and effectiveness in the region remains uncertain, especially after the recent heavy losses faced by the Russian-aligned forces.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com

Related posts:

Ivory Coast and Senegal’s Request for French Troop Withdrawal: Implications for West Africa Russia Expands Military Aid to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Ivory Coast Announces Withdrawal of French Troops Amid Growing Sovereignty Sentiments Moroccan Truck Drivers Released After Kidnapping in Burkina Faso