What role has Russia played in Mali’s security and the Sahel region?
Summary
Military ruler Assimi Goita of Mali said the situation is "under control" after armed groups attacked military bases, with Russian forces helping by providing air support. However, the security situation remains unstable as rebels control some cities, including Kidal, and Russian fighters have recently withdrawn from that city.Key Facts
- Armed groups including Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked fighters attacked multiple cities in Mali on a large scale.
- Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed during the attacks.
- The Malian government stated it had killed more than 200 attackers.
- Russian forces, operating under the government-owned Africa Corps, supported Mali’s military but withdrew from the city of Kidal recently.
- The Russia-backed Africa Corps replaced the Wagner mercenary group after its founder died in 2023.
- Russia's military support in Mali started after Mali asked French troops to leave in 2022.
- Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States after leaving the regional ECOWAS bloc.
- Both Russian forces and armed groups in Mali have been accused by human rights groups of targeting civilians.
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