Mali conflict: touareg fighters seize Russian mercenary vehicles after Africa Corps retreat

In a bold display of power, Touareg combatants from the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA) and the Jnim (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims) have been seen parading on abandoned Russian-made armored vehicles. These images, widely shared on social media, follow the abrupt departure of 400 Africa Corps mercenaries—formerly associated with Wagner—from Kidal, northern Mali.

Just 48 hours after the city fell, the paramilitary forces evacuated under heavy escort, as confirmed by an official statement from the FLA. The group declared on platform X the successful negotiation of a «safe withdrawal agreement» between local Azawadian forces and Africa Corps elements to ensure a secure exit from Kidal.

By Marguerite Ndongo — Political and Security Analyst