The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary group, announced its withdrawal from Mali after over three years of fighting Islamist insurgents. The group claims to have successfully restored government control over regional centers. However, Russia's military presence in Mali will continue through the Africa Corps, a paramilitary force largely composed of former Wagner mercenaries. This transition follows a failed mutiny in Russia and the death of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. Approximately 2,000 mercenaries remain in Mali, with the exact division between Wagner and the Africa Corps unclear.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.