Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition gather at the Kidal roundabout in Kidal, on April 26, 2026. April 25, 2026's shock attacks, synchronised by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted several areas in the vast arid country. Fighting resumed on April 26 in several areas, including Kita near Bamako, Kidal, Gao and Severe. Tuareg rebels meanwhile announced an agreement allowing Russian forces backing Mali's army to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, which they claimed was "totally" under their control. (Photo by abdollah Ag Mohamed / AFP)
Africa corps: Russia’s new paramilitary force expanding in Mali and the Sahel
The strategic stronghold of Kidal in eastern Mali, long held by Russian-backed forces, fell this weekend to a coalition of Tuareg rebels and Islamist fighters. The withdrawal of the Africa Corps militia marked the end of years of direct control by this discreet but powerful Russian paramilitary group operating in West Africa.
The Africa Corps, considered one of Moscow’s most covert military branches abroad, continues to play a pivotal role in the Sahel despite this setback. Its presence has reshaped regional security dynamics, particularly in Mali, where it replaced the now-defunct Wagner group in 2024.
From Wagner to Africa Corps: A strategic transition
The Africa Corps officially emerged in November 2023 under the leadership of Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov, following the collapse of the Wagner group. The latter, founded by oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin and former GRU officer Dmitry Utkin, had dominated Russia’s African operations since 2014 before its dramatic downfall in 2023.
Prigozhin’s failed mutiny against Moscow in August 2023 and subsequent death in a plane crash left a void that the Kremlin moved quickly to fill. The Africa Corps was established as a more centralized and disciplined alternative, designed to absorb Wagner’s remaining assets and personnel across Africa.
Clear objectives and controversial tactics
From its inception, the Africa Corps declared its mission: to conduct large-scale military operations in Africa to help governments break free from neo-colonial dependencies, expel Western influence, and achieve full sovereignty. Igor Korotchenko, a Kremlin-aligned military blogger and former colonel, outlined these goals in his initial public statements about the group.
Unlike Wagner, which gained notoriety for human rights abuses and brutal repression, the Africa Corps has adopted a more low-profile approach. It focuses on strengthening alliances with pro-Russian governments by providing military training, equipment, and advisory support. Its footprint has expanded rapidly across the Sahel, with deployments confirmed in Burkina Faso, Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, and Niger.
Africa Corps in Mali: A key player in the West African crisis
Since 2024, the Africa Corps has been a central pillar of Mali’s military junta, deploying hundreds or even thousands of fighters to suppress rebel movements, including Tuareg separatists. This intervention aligns with Moscow’s broader strategy to fill the security vacuum left by Western forces, particularly after France’s withdrawal from the Sahel.
The group’s operations go beyond counter-insurgency. By securing key territories and protecting critical infrastructure, Africa Corps enhances Russia’s influence over migration routes and access to valuable mineral resources. This presence has drawn international scrutiny, with the United Kingdom accusing the group in 2024 of committing widespread human rights violations and exploiting natural resources for profit.
Sanctions and global condemnation
Despite its attempts to present a more professional image, the Africa Corps has not escaped international condemnation. It has been targeted by sanctions from Western governments, accused of perpetuating instability and undermining regional security. These measures reflect growing concerns over the group’s expanding role in Africa’s conflict zones.
The fall of Kidal represents a significant setback for the Africa Corps, but it is unlikely to halt its broader ambitions. With direct control from Moscow and a mandate to consolidate Russian influence, the group remains a formidable force in the Sahel’s ever-evolving security landscape.
