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Russian paramilitary companies reportedly set a record for flights in three key partner countries in West Africa's Sahel region in 2025 and the first half of 2026, with the highest number of takeoffs and landings.
The Wagner Group, Russian mercenaries operating in Mali, are accused of fleeing without a fight and brutally massacring civilians during their retreat, following two coups in the early 2020s that saw the military junta invite them after expelling French forces.
The withdrawal of Russian mercenaries from northern Mali has brought renewed attention to Moscow's engagement on the African continent. Despite being presented as anti-Western saviors, the overall impact of Russia's presence in Africa remains underwhelming.
A video has emerged depicting a heavy firefight in Mali, raising questions about the reputations of the Malian junta and Russian mercenaries operating in the region.
Russian mercenaries have confirmed their withdrawal from the strategic northern Mali city of Kidal following intense attacks by Tuareg rebels. This retreat marks a significant setback for Mali's junta and its Russian allies, with rebels now controlling the key stronghold.
A convoy comprising Malian soldiers and fighters from the Russian paramilitary 'Africa Corps' came under attack in northern Mali. Separatist forces claimed responsibility for the assault, which targeted reinforcements heading to a besieged military camp.
A new BBC documentary will follow the case of individuals convicted under the UK's National Security Act for burning a Ukrainian business on behalf of Russian mercenaries.
The Russian 'Africa Corps' has reportedly retreated from Kidal, Mali, following rebel attacks, impacting Russia's reputation and its security cooperation with the Malian regime.
Al-Qaeda-linked fighters killed Mali's defense minister, a top Moscow ally, and forced Russian mercenaries to retreat, highlighting the failure of the Mali-Russia partnership to bring order.
Mali's Defense Minister was reportedly killed in a major offensive by rebels, some linked to al-Qaeda, which also saw a key city captured. This crisis has led to Russian mercenaries withdrawing from the affected city.
Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda affiliates have reportedly secured control of the key town of Anéfis in northern Mali following a coordinated offensive, with the Malian army and Russian mercenaries reportedly holed up.
A new report indicates that ships belonging to Russia's 'shadow fleet,' some reportedly carrying Wagner Group soldiers and other Russian mercenaries, are regularly passing through Danish waters.
Mali's armed forces, backed by Russian mercenaries, have launched airstrikes targeting a rebel alliance of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists in the junta's ongoing fight to maintain power.
A three-day rebel offensive has led to the flight of Russian mercenaries from half of one of Africa's largest countries. After Syria and Venezuela, the Kremlin may lose another ally.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian security forces successfully prevented multiple planned attacks on prominent figures in the country, attributing the plots to Russian mercenaries.