Violent clashes erupted across Mali over the past weekend as coordinated attacks targeted government strongholds in Bamako and other major cities. Among the casualties was the Defence Minister, killed during the assault on his residence.

In eastern Mali, rebel forces successfully reclaimed Kidal, a strategic stronghold that had been firmly under Russian paramilitary control for years. After intense fighting and negotiations, Africa Corps, the secretive Russian unit, withdrew from the city. Despite this setback, its presence remains strong throughout the Sahel region.

Since its establishment in 2023, Africa Corps has quietly emerged as one of Russia’s most discreet military extensions abroad. The group was first publicly acknowledged by military blogger Deux Majors on Telegram, citing remarks from Igor Korotchenko, a former colonel and Kremlin-linked journalist. The organisation is reportedly overseen by Russian Deputy Defence Minister Iounous-bek Evkourov.

A calculated rebranding after Wagner’s decline

The formation of Africa Corps coincides with the weakening of Wagner Group, Russia’s infamous paramilitary force that had operated across Africa since 2014. Founders Evgueni Prigojine and Dmitri Outkine died in a suspicious plane crash in August 2023, following Prigojine’s brief rebellion against Moscow.

Unlike Wagner, often criticised for human rights abuses, Africa Corps presents a more controlled and centralised structure. Analysts suggest Moscow is reshaping its African strategy, with Africa Corps positioned as Wagner’s successor in the region. A U.S. government source in 2023 noted, “Africa Corps is Wagner’s rival, designed to absorb its operations and personnel in Africa.”

From historical references to modern ambitions

The name Africa Corps draws direct inspiration from the Afrikakorps, the Nazi-era German force deployed in North Africa during World War II. This deliberate naming choice underscores a continuity of influence-building in the region, though Africa Corps frames its mission in different terms.

Clear objectives in Africa’s geopolitical landscape

From its inception, Africa Corps has outlined its goals: conducting large-scale military operations to help African nations break free from neocolonial dependence, eliminate Western influence, and assert full sovereignty. Igor Korotchenko, a key figure in its formation, has emphasised these objectives.

The group operates with a lower profile than Wagner, focusing on strengthening ties with allied governments by providing military personnel and equipment. Its footprint now spans Burkina Faso, Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Niger.

Deepening ties with Mali’s military junta

Since 2024, Africa Corps has taken over Wagner’s role in Mali, deploying hundreds to thousands of fighters. Several Wagner commanders and their troops have reportedly joined its ranks in the region. The group’s primary mission is to support Bamako’s military junta against Tuareg rebel forces, securing Russia’s strategic interests in West Africa.

This intervention aligns with Moscow’s broader goals: countering Western influence after the withdrawal of international forces, controlling migration routes, and securing access to valuable mineral resources.

Despite its more controlled approach, Africa Corps has faced international condemnation. In 2024, the United Kingdom sanctioned the group for alleged widespread human rights violations and exploitation of natural resources across the continent.