Mali’s militant attacks expose limits of Putin’s power in Africa
Summary
Mali’s military junta, supported by about 2,000 Russian troops, faced significant attacks from jihadist militants and separatist fighters. These attacks exposed weaknesses in Russia’s military support in Mali, highlighted by Russian forces withdrawing from the northern town of Kidal and the death of Mali’s defense minister Sadio Camara.Key Facts
- Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta met with President Vladimir Putin, showing close ties between Mali and Russia.
- Around 2,000 Russian troops are stationed in Mali as part of Russia’s effort to influence the Sahel region in Africa.
- Recent coordinated attacks by rebel groups led to heavy fighting and disrupted Russian-backed control in Mali.
- Russian Africa Corps withdrew from Kidal, a key northern town held by rebels.
- Sadio Camara, Mali’s defense minister and key supporter of the Russia alliance, died after being wounded in a suicide attack.
- Mali’s junta expelled French troops and replaced them with Russian forces after taking power in 2021.
- Russia initially deployed the Wagner mercenary group in Mali, but it was replaced by the Africa Corps after Wagner’s leader died.
- The new Russia-backed Africa Corps has struggled to maintain control and military success compared to Wagner.
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