Russia’s Wagner mercenary group says it is far leaving Mali, declaring its mission to augment the country’s military in opposition to jihadist insurgents “accomplished.” In a commentary, Wagner claimed it had stabilized the country, destroyed terrorist infrastructure, and trained local forces.
The group began operating in Mali in 2021, rapidly after French forces withdrew. Its presence became as soon as welcomed by the ruling junta but drew global criticism over alleged human rights abuses, alongside side the 2022 Moura bloodbath — claims both Wagner and Mali’s government tell.
Wagner’s departure comes amid broader restructuring below Russia’s Ministry of Defense following the demise of founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. Whereas the group calls the exit voluntary, analysts verbalize engaging geopolitics will be in the support of the switch.
Mali’s government has but to comment, and issues remain over how the withdrawal can bear an impact on the country’s fight in opposition to extremism. Wagner’s exit leaves questions about Russia’s future arrangement in the Sahel arrangement.
