The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, has announced its withdrawal from Mali after claiming to have completed its mission in the country. This decision marks the end of the group’s operations in Mali, where they have been active since 2021, working alongside the military to combat Islamist militants.
In a message shared on their Telegram channel, Wagner stated that they had fought against terrorism in Mali, claiming to have killed thousands of militants and their leaders who had terrorized civilians for years. This announcement comes at a time when the Malian military is facing increasing challenges, including a recent deadly attack on their base in Boulikessi, which resulted in the loss of over 30 soldiers.
Mali has struggled with a militant Islamist insurgency for more than a decade. The situation worsened after a military coup led to the government seeking help from Russian forces, particularly Wagner, as French troops left the country in 2022. Despite Wagner’s claims of success, there has been a notable rise in jihadist attacks recently, raising questions about the effectiveness of their presence in the region.
The timing of Wagner’s withdrawal coincides with reports of Malian soldiers retreating from key military positions following assaults by jihadist groups. Local sources indicated that the military’s departure from Boulikessi was a strategic move after sustaining heavy casualties.
While Wagner is pulling out, Russian influence in Mali will continue. Fighters from a different Russian mercenary group, known as Africa Corps, are expected to remain in the country to support security efforts. This shift indicates that Russia’s military presence in West and Central Africa is likely to persist, even as Wagner exits Mali.
The announcement also leaves uncertainty regarding Wagner’s operations in other regions, such as the Central African Republic, where they have established their African headquarters. As the security landscape in Mali changes, the implications of this withdrawal will be closely monitored, especially given the ongoing threat from insurgent groups in the Sahel region.