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Russian private military company Wagner Group announced its withdrawal from Mali on Friday, ending more than three years of operations in the West African nation while claiming its mission has been successfully completed.
Wagner Group stated through its official Telegram channel that it has accomplished its objectives in Mali, where it has operated since 2021, supporting the military government against insurgent forces.
In its withdrawal statement, Wagner Group declared that all regional centers in Mali have returned to the control of the legitimate Malian military administration.
The mercenary organization claimed it successfully repelled insurgent forces and neutralized numerous commanders during its operations.
"Mission accomplished. Private Military Company Wagner returns home," the group announced via Telegram. "We helped local patriots create a strong and disciplined army capable of defending their land. All regional capitals have returned to the control of the legitimate authorities."
Wagner further claimed, "We've killed thousands of militants and their commanders who have been terrorizing civilians for years."
The group stated it brought all regional capitals under the control of the Malian army, pushed out armed militants, and eliminated their leadership during its three-and-a-half-year presence in the country.
Despite Wagner's announced departure, Russia will continue maintaining a mercenary presence in Mali through the Africa Corps, Moscow's state-controlled paramilitary force that serves as Wagner's successor organization.
The Africa Corps confirmed through its Telegram channel Friday that Wagner's departure would not introduce operational changes and that the Russian contingent will remain in Mali.
National media reports indicate the Africa Corps will assume Wagner's operational responsibilities in the West African nation.
This transition represents a restructuring of Russian military influence in the region rather than a complete withdrawal, maintaining Moscow's strategic foothold in the Sahel.
Africa Corps is a Russian military company that was created in early 2024 as a replacement for the Wagner Group.
Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has battled insurgency for over a decade against armed groups affiliated with terrorist organizations al-Qaeda and Daesh.
The three-country border region known as the "Sahel triangle" continues experiencing attacks from extremist groups.
Mali's security situation deteriorated following criticism that the civilian government could not effectively address terrorist threats, leading to military intervention and the establishment of military rule.
France deployed troops to Mali in 2013 to help establish security, but withdrew its forces in 2022 following deteriorating relations with the military government.
After the French departure, Mali's military administration sought cooperation with the Russia-based Wagner Group.
Earlier this year, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger officially withdrew from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and established their own alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States.
This realignment reflects the three military-led governments' shift away from traditional Western partnerships toward alternative security arrangements, particularly with Russia.
The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States represents a significant geopolitical shift in West Africa, as these nations seek different approaches to addressing security challenges while distancing themselves from regional and international partners.
The Wagner Group's withdrawal from Mali follows the organization's restructuring after the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023.
The group's operations across Africa have been gradually transferred to the Africa Corps as part of Russia's effort to maintain influence through more direct state control.
The transition highlights Moscow's continued strategic interest in the Sahel region despite organizational changes in its military contractor operations.
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