The Africa Corps, a Kremlin-backed paramilitary unit deployed across Africa, announced on Telegram on April 27 that it had withdrawn troops from Kati, a strategic garrison town 20 kilometers from Bamako. This city serves as the nerve center of Mali’s military power, especially since the 2021 coup led by Assimi Goïta. The move coincides with the simultaneous retreat of Malian army forces from the same location.

The Africa Corps, as noted by Vedomosti, is “a paramilitary formation created by Russia’s Defense Ministry to conduct operations across the African continent.” Established in 2023, its formation was framed as a replacement for private military companies active in Africa—widely seen as a direct reference to the Wagner Group, the shadowy mercenary outfit long accused of operating under Kremlin orders.

Wagner had been actively supporting Mali’s military junta in counterterrorism efforts following the dwindling French military presence in the region. After the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner’s founder, in August 2023, the Africa Corps assumed Wagner’s responsibilities, including security duties in Mali.

Moscow draws parallels with Syria

In its analysis, Vedomosti frames the recent surge in coordinated attacks in Mali as part of a “Syrian-style scenario,” suggesting external interference to destabilize local authorities. The report highlights the timing of the attacks, which escalated after the Africa Corps’ withdrawal from key military positions.