Russian ‘African Corps’ Replaces Wagner Group in Mali Amid Strategic Realignment

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 12th, 2025 — In a significant development marking a shift in Russian military operations in West Africa, a contingent of the Russian ‘African Corps’ has arrived in Mali, officially replacing the Wagner Group as part of a recalibrated bilateral military cooperation between Bamako and Moscow.

The phased replacement is already underway, with a substantial number of African Corps personnel now deployed across Mali. Additional units are expected to arrive imminently, solidifying Russia’s presence.

Simultaneously, Russian military instructors have commenced intensive training programs for Malian forces. The training, which incorporates advanced tactics and newly supplied military equipment, aims to enhance the operational capabilities of local troops in countering insurgent threats and maintaining national security.

The presence of the African Corps is not limited to Mali. Earlier this year, Russian military trainers were dispatched to Niger in April 2024, while units of the African Corps were deployed to Burkina Faso in January 2024, reflecting a broader Russian strategic footprint across the Sahel region.

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