Wagner replaced by Russia's Africa Corp in Mali: diplomatic sources
The Hindu
Russian paramilitary group Wagner exits Mali, replaced by Moscow-run Africa Corps; Mali shifts allegiance from France to Russia.
The Russian paramilitary group Wagner has left Mali, and its units there have been taken over by the Moscow-run Africa Corps, diplomatic and security sources said on Sunday (June 8, 2025).
"Officially, Wagner is no longer present in Mali. But the Africa Corps is stepping up," one diplomatic source in the Sahel region said.
A Telegram account affiliated with Wagner said: "Mission accomplished. PMC Wagner is going home."
Mali's ruling junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, broke off ties with former colonial power France and pivoted towards Russia for political and military support.
Wagner, Russia's best-known mercenary group, was disbanded and restructured after its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a mysterious plane crash in August 2023 following a short-lived rebellion against Moscow.
Mali has never officially admitted Wagner's presence, insisting it only worked with Russian instructors.
"The Kremlin remains in control;" the same diplomatic source added.
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