The Russian-backed Wagner Group, which spent more than three years fighting Islamic extremists in Mali, will be replaced by the Moscow-run Africa Corps. In the last decade, Mali has relied on an estimated 2,000 mercenaries, according to US figures, in its battle against an insurgency by armed groups that include those linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
The Russian paramilitary group Wagner has leftMaliand its units there have been taken over by the Moscow-runAfricaCorps, diplomatic and security sources told AFP on Sunday.
"Officially, Wagner is no longer present in Mali. But the Africa Corps is stepping up," one diplomatic source in theSahelregion said.
A Telegram account affiliated with Wagner said: "Mission accomplished. PMC Wagner is going home."
Mali's ruling junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, broke off ties with former colonial powerFranceand pivoted towardsRussiafor political and military support.
Watch moreBattle of Tinzawaten: video shows last stand for Russia's Wagner mercenaries in Mali (7/9/2024)
Wagner, Russia's best-known mercenary group, was disbanded and restructured after its leaderYevgeny Prigozhindied in a mysterious plane crash in August 2023 following a short-lived rebellion againstMoscow.
Mali has never officially admitted Wagner's presence, insisting it only worked with Russian instructors.
"TheKremlinremains in control;" the same diplomatic source added.
Read moreMali rebels say they killed dozens of government troops, Wagner mercenaries
"Most of the Wagner personnel in Mali, who are originally from Russia, will be reintegrated into Africa Corps and remain in northern regional capitals and Bamako."
The Africa Corps is another paramilitary group with links to the Kremlin and seen as the successor to the Wagner Group. Like Wagner, its mercenaries are active supporting several African governments.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)
Originally published on France24
