Wagner announces that he is leaving Mali, but he will take his place a Russian mercenary group. “The Kremlin remains in control”
Fighter from the Russian Wagner paramilitary group, photo: Evgeny Biyatov / Sputnik / Profimedia
The Russian paramilitary group Wagner leaves Mali, where it is present from 2021, and its contingents will be reintegrated into its successor, Africa Corps, another Russian organization, confirmed diplomatic and security sources, as reported by France Presse and Agerpres.
From the two coups of 2020 and 2021, which brought to power the junta led by General Assimi Goita, Mali broke the alliance with the former French colonizer to orient himself military and politically to Russia.
“Officially, Wagner ends his presence in Mali. But Africa Corps takes control,” a diplomatic source said in Sahel.
“Mission accomplished. The PMC 'Wagner' returns home,” shows in a message posted on a Telegram channel affiliated with the group.
“The Kremlin remains in control,” the same diplomatic source continued: “Most Wagner staff in Mali, from Russia, will be reintegrated into African Corps and maintained in the regional capitals in the north and in Bamako.”
Officially, Mali never recognized the presence of Wagner mercenaries, but said he resorted to Russian instructors.
