Russian mercenaries from Africa Corps forced to retreat amid jihadist surge in Mali

The security situation in northern Mali has taken a dramatic turn as Russian mercenaries belonging to the Africa Corps suffered a significant and symbolic defeat. On Sunday, April 26, these forces—which replaced the Wagner group in 2025—abandoned their positions in Kidal. Footage circulating on social media depicts a humiliating exit, with troops retreating under pressure from the GSIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims), also known as JNIM, and their Tuareg rebel allies from the Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA). The withdrawal was so chaotic that numerous armored vehicles and helicopters were left behind, while several Malian soldiers were taken captive following brief skirmishes.

Since Saturday, this Sahelian nation has been targeted by a wave of synchronized strikes. These offensives, led by Al-Qaïda-linked GSIM militants and FLA independence fighters, have hit strategic locations across the country, reaching as far as the outskirts of the capital, Bamako.

Reclaiming Kidal

On Monday, the Africa Corps, a paramilitary unit under the jurisdiction of the Russian Ministry of Defence, confirmed its departure from the northern stronghold of Kidal. For the FLA rebels, this represents a major victory and a reversal of the events of November 2023, when Wagner mercenaries captured the town and displayed their skull-and-crossbones flag. This retreat marks a sharp failure for the junta’s Russian partners. Experts note that the capture of Kidal, a historic Tuareg center, had been the only major strategic win for Russian forces since they arrived in Mali in 2021. Its loss is seen as a significant blow to their credibility.

The coordinated GSIM operations also reached Bamako, the military hub of Kati, and Gao, a former UN base. In total, at least six major urban centers were targeted in this nationwide offensive.

Mali has been governed by a military junta since a 2021 coup. During this period, the country has remained under siege by Al-Qaïda affiliates, turning the region into a global center for terrorism and conflict-related casualties by 2025. Since the summer of 2025, jihadist forces have consistently defeated Malian troops and their Russian allies, even implementing blockades around Bamako to trigger an economic crisis.

A history of ineffectiveness

Malian military leaders turned to Russian mercenaries—first Wagner in 2021 and then Africa Corps in 2025—to halt the jihadist advance, yet the cycle of violence has only intensified. Reports indicate that some of the most severe atrocities against civilians have been linked to these Russian forces and Malian soldiers. Since 2021, international observers have documented a rise in conflict-related sexual violence attributed to the Malian security forces and their Russian counterparts.

Analysts specializing in jihadist movements suggest that the Russian mercenaries have long proven to be ineffective partners in counter-terrorism efforts. The recent attacks serve as further evidence of the struggles faced by both Wagner and the current Africa Corps configuration.

Over the weekend, video evidence from across Mali illustrated the scale of the crisis. In Kidal, militants seized the governor’s office, while in Bamako, residents witnessed GSIM fighters entering the city with little to no pushback. In the Kati district, a bomb attack destroyed the residence of the Minister of Defence, Sadio Camara, who was killed in the blast.

Allegations of betrayal in the north

On Monday, Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga addressed the public to honor the late Sadio Camara and attempt to restore calm. Following this, the head of the junta, Assimi Goïta, made his first televised appearance since the start of the offensive on Tuesday evening. He maintained that the situation was under control and vowed that military operations would persist until all involved groups were eliminated.

However, the performance of the Malian army and the Africa Corps is being heavily scrutinized within the country. Reports from military insiders suggest a sense of betrayal, with claims that the Russian mercenaries failed to act on warnings of the Kidal attack three days in advance. Some suggest the Russians had already negotiated their withdrawal. As Russian forces reportedly prepare to leave other northern towns, the Malian regular army finds itself increasingly vulnerable.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov avoided confirming whether the Africa Corps could regain control of the situation. Nevertheless, he asserted that their presence had successfully thwarted a coup attempt by FLA and GSIM fighters.