Recent coordinated attacks by jihadist militants and separatist groups in Mali have highlighted the limitations of Russian military support for the country's ruling junta. Over the weekend, rebel fighters launched one of their most effective assaults in years, forcing Russia's Africa Corps to withdraw from the strategically important northern town of Kidal.
The attacks come despite Moscow's significant presence in Mali, where around 2,000 Russian troops are deployed. Russia's Africa Corps, the successor to the Wagner Group, acknowledged casualties and said it had evacuated wounded personnel and heavy equipment. Military bloggers reported that a Russian helicopter was shot down near Gao, killing those on board.
Mali's defence minister, Sadio Camara, a key architect of the partnership with Russia, died from wounds sustained in a suicide attack on his residence. Camara was instrumental in Mali's shift from French to Russian backing after the 2021 coup.
Analysts say the crisis undermines Russia's credibility in the region. Ibrahim Yahaya Ibrahim of the International Crisis Group noted, 'This crisis is definitely affecting the credibility of Russia's interventions in the region.' He added that questions will be raised about whether Russia can provide the solutions African nations facing insurgencies seek.
The Africa Corps has struggled to match the effectiveness of its predecessor, the Wagner Group, which was wound down after the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin. Former Wagner commander Marat Gabidullin said, 'Africa Corps is nowhere near as good at its work as its predecessor. Morale is low, commanders are often not qualified, and the soldiers are poorly trained.'
The loss of Kidal, which was recaptured by Russian-backed forces in November 2023, marks a significant reversal. The attacks also raise concerns for Mali's neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger, which have similarly turned to Moscow after expelling Western forces.
