In a major setback for the Malian junta and its Russian allies, the Africa Corps mercenaries—successors to the Wagner Group since 2025—were forced into a humiliating retreat from Kidal on April 26. Graphic footage circulating on social media shows the mercenaries being disarmed and hastily evacuated in trucks under pressure from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist faction, and their Tuareg rebel allies from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).
The rapid collapse left behind a staggering number of abandoned assets, including armored vehicles and helicopters, now in the hands of the advancing armed groups. Several Malian soldiers were also captured following brief clashes. The retreat marks a symbolic blow to Moscow’s military influence in the region, coming just 18 months after Wagner’s forces had proudly seized Kidal—a historic stronghold of Tuareg resistance—and raised their black-and-white skull banner.
coordinated jihadist offensives target key cities
Since Saturday, coordinated attacks by the GSIM have struck multiple strategic locations across Mali, including the capital Bamako, the military hub of Kati—home to the junta’s headquarters—and Gao, a former UN base. In total, at least six cities have come under assault, signaling a dangerous escalation in the conflict that has gripped the country since 2021.
The jihadist alliance, which includes the FLA, has intensified its campaign in recent months, tightening its grip around Bamako and cutting off supply routes to weaken the capital economically. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, the region has become the global epicenter of terrorism and violence, with 2025 marking one of the deadliest years on record.
russian-backed forces fail to deliver on security promises
Since the 2021 military coup, Mali has been ruled by a junta that turned to Russian mercenaries for support, first with the Wagner Group and later with its state-controlled successor, the Africa Corps. However, their presence has done little to curb the insurgency—and in some cases, has exacerbated civilian suffering. Reports from the United Nations and Human Rights Watch have documented a surge in sexual violence and human rights abuses attributed to both Malian forces and their Russian allies.
Security analyst Wassim Nasr, an expert on jihadist movements, emphasized that the failure of Africa Corps was predictable. “It was clear long ago that Russian mercenaries were ineffective partners in the fight against terrorism,” he told The Washington Post. “Saturday’s attacks only confirmed that reality.”
Bamako under siege: government in disarray
Video evidence from across the country reveals the extent of the GSIM’s advance. In Kidal, fighters stormed the governor’s office, while in Bamako, residents filmed militants entering the city with little resistance. Near the capital, in Kati, a bomb destroyed the home of Defense Minister Sadio Camara—himself killed in the offensive. The attack on the junta’s power center underscores the fragility of the regime’s defenses.
Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga addressed the nation in a televised statement, honoring the fallen minister. Meanwhile, junta leader Assimi Goïta claimed in a rare appearance that the situation was “under control” and vowed to pursue the attackers “until they are completely neutralized.” His reassurances, however, have done little to calm public concern.
traitor or defeated? voices of dissent grow louder
As the Africa Corps withdraws from northern strongholds, local voices are questioning whether the retreat was a strategic decision—or a betrayal. A Malian officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told RFI that the mercenaries had been warned three days before the attack. “The Russians did nothing,” the officer stated. “They had already negotiated their departure.” With rumors of further withdrawals looming, the Malian army’s position grows increasingly precarious.
At a Kremlin press briefing on April 28, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the Africa Corps’ ability to regain control. He did, however, assert that the mercenaries had prevented the FLA and GSIM from staging a coup in Mali, according to Reuters.
