Wagner Exits Mali as Africa Corps Steps In to Fill the Void

Wagner, the Russian paramilitary group, has officially left Mali, transferring operations to Africa Corps, a Kremlin-affiliated group. This shift highlights ongoing Russian military involvement as Mali faces increasing jihadist challenges. Despite the withdrawal, concerns over human rights abuses linked to Wagner’s prior operations continue to loom over the region.

The Russian mercenary group Wagner has officially vacated its operations in Mali, passing control to another Moscow-controlled paramilitary entity known as Africa Corps. This change, confirmed by various diplomatic and security sources on Sunday, marks the end of Wagner’s three-and-a-half-year presence in the country. An anonymous diplomatic source remarked, “Officially, Wagner is no longer present in Mali. But the Africa Corps is stepping up,” indicating a continuity in Russian influence in the region.

Wagner’s departure comes after a tumultuous period marked by its controversial operations, which the Malian authorities consistently downplayed, referring to the personnel as “Russian instructors.” Interestingly, even as sources pointed to Wagner’s exit, officials in Bamako did not confirm this shift. The Malian junta’s longstanding position has been to deny their presence, despite widespread recognition of their activities on the ground.

The shift to Africa Corps occurs amid Mali’s ongoing struggle against armed groups, including affiliates of al-Qaida and ISIS, which have worsened over the past decade. Since the military coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali has pivoted away from France, its former colonial power, towards Russia for military assistance. Tensions culminated in the withdrawal of French troops in 2022 as anti-French sentiment rose within Mali.

Following the enigmatic demise of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash last August, the group was reshaped. Current reports suggest that the Kremlin’s influence remains potent despite Wagner’s restructuring. A diplomatic source noted, “The Kremlin remains in control,” highlighting that many former Wagner personnel in Mali will be absorbed into Africa Corps.

Adding another layer of complexity, the Africa Corps is regarded as a successor to Wagner, with established ties to the Kremlin and involvement in supporting various African regimes. Analysts note that while Wagner has historically aided Mali in combating jihadist violence, the formation of Africa Corps will necessitate continued military support and training, particularly as the Malian army faces ongoing assaults.

Concerns over human rights have long shadowed Wagner’s operations in Mali. Reports from UN observers accused both the Malian army and foreign fighters of executing civilians during operations against jihadism, with allegations pointing to Wagner members. Recent incidents have further exacerbated these worries, as human rights groups indicate that numerous civilians were killed in conjunction with military sweeps.

As Mali grapples with this transition, the need for effective military engagement and the consequences of external forces loom large. Wagner’s exit may signal changes ahead, but for now, authorities continue to rely heavily on Moscow’s support. The ongoing jihadist threat remains a critical challenge as Mali’s security landscape evolves.

In summary, the Wagner group’s departure from Mali marks a significant shift in the dynamics of Russian military influence in the region, transferring control to Africa Corps. While this change indicates a continuity of Russian involvement, the challenges facing the Malian armed forces persist with a rising tide of jihadist violence. Moreover, the implications of Wagner’s troubled human rights record continue to haunt the Malian landscape, raising concerns about the future of civilian safety amid shifting military strategies. As Mali bridges its transition, the effectiveness of Africa Corps in addressing these pressing issues remains to be seen.

Original Source: www.inkl.com