(AFP) – The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, has officially exited Mali, with its operations now transferred to a Moscow-led African unit, according to diplomatic and security sources shared with AFP on Sunday.
“Wagner is no longer here, but the African unit is increasing its activity,” remarked a diplomatic source located in the Sahel region.
A Telegram account linked to Wagner announced, “The mission is completed. PMC Wagner returns home.”
The military junta in Mali, which has been in power since coups in 2020 and 2021, has distanced itself from France, the former colonial power, seeking instead political and military backing from Russia.
Wagner, known for its notoriety in mercenary activities, was recently dissolved and restructured following the demise of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozin, who perished in a plane crash in August 2023 after a brief rebellion against Moscow.
Mali has always claimed it never formally recognized Wagner’s presence and has stated it only engaged with Russian military instructors.
France pulled out 2,400 troops from Mali in 2022 as relations with the junta worsened and anti-French sentiments grew among the populace.
“The Kremlin remains in control,” noted the diplomatic source.
Most of the Wagner personnel in Mali—predominantly from Russia—are expected to be integrated into the African forces, remaining stationed in Bamako and a northern regional capital.
The African Legion, another paramilitary group with ties to the Kremlin, is seen as the successor to Wagner. Like its predecessor, it supports various African governments.
For over three years, Mali has depended on Wagner to combat jihadist violence that has claimed thousands of lives throughout the nation.
“The point of contact remains the same, whether it’s the African Legion or yesterday. It’s still the Russian central force. The Kremlin is the Kremlin,” a security source mentioned on Sunday.
Human rights organizations have consistently condemned the brutal tactics used by paramilitary groups in Mali.
A UN report accused the Malian army and foreign fighters of executing at least 500 individuals during an anti-jihadist operation in Moura in March 2022.
Western officials assess that these foreign fighters are likely Wagner’s mercenaries.
The bodies in question were discovered near a military camp in Mali in April of the previous year, shortly after the army and Wagner detained numerous civilians.
Wagner’s withdrawal coincides with what the Mali army describes as a resurgence in jihadist attacks, including incidents that led to significant soldier casualties and the military abandoning key bases in central Mali.
European diplomats operating in the Sahel anticipate that the African forces will probably “train many more Malian soldiers than Wagner did.”
“While Wagner asserts that its support has bolstered the Mali Army, the African Corps will require ongoing training and assistance, especially in light of the recent attacks on the Fama (Malian Army),” stated Beverly Ochien, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
