Wagner Group exits Mali as Moscow's Africa Corps takes over

In early June 2025, the Wagner Group, a private military company backed by Russia, declared its departure from Mali, following over three years of engagement in combat against Islamic extremists and insurgents in the country. The announcement marked a significant transition, as the Moscow-run Africa Corps is set to take over Wagner's roles, ensuring that Russia maintains a mercenary presence in Mali. This change has become more pronounced in the backdrop of a continued rise in violence, prompting concerns about the effectiveness of the Malian army and Russian mercenaries in combatting jihadist threats. The presence of Wagner in Mali began at a time when Western influence waned, and Moscow jumped at the opportunity to establish a foothold through offers of military assistance. Following the death of Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in 2023, Russia began focusing on developing Africa Corps as a substitute force. As per reports, U.S. officials estimated the presence of around 2,000 mercenaries in Mali, but it remains unclear how many belong to the outgoing Wagner group versus Africa Corps. The troop transition is indicative of Russia's broader military strategy in Africa, which increasingly seeks to forge closer ties with various nations on the continent amidst declining Western influence. Malian authorities have increasingly prized the support received from Russian forces, despite some critical accusations against them concerning civilian casualties and human rights abuses. According to United Nations reports, the Malian army and the foreign fighters were implicated in alleged summary executions and forced disappearances, raising calls for investigations amid persistent violence. As the jihadist threat resurges, Mali has found itself relying heavily on foreign troops, which is exacerbating the region’s security situation. Several military setbacks faced by the Malian forces have been countered by calls for more structured support and training that Africa Corps is likely to provide going forward. Consequently, while the official shift from Wagner to Africa Corps may represent a strategic rebranding for Russian military presence in Mali, the fundamental challenges in countering growing jihadist threats remain. Experts noted that Africa Corps might shift its operational focus towards training Malian forces instead of engaging in frontline combat as Wagner once did. This new approach could serve as a pivotal part of Russia's long-term strategy to maintain influence in Mali while grappling with the evolving dynamics of counterinsurgency operations against a backdrop of increasing violence in the region.