The Russian African Corps has left Mali following a large-scale rebel attack

Units of the so-called African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defense have withdrawn from the strategically important city of Kidal in Mali. The withdrawal came amid an unprecedented attack by Tuareg rebels and Islamists targeting several regions of the country simultaneously.

This is stated in an official statement from the Russian unit. 

The statement noted that the decision to withdraw from the city was made jointly with the Malian authorities.

“In accordance with a joint decision by the leadership of the Republic of Mali, units of the African Corps that were stationed and fighting in the town of Kidal have left this settlement together with Malian army personnel,” the military stated.

According to them, the wounded and heavy weapons were evacuated from the city first. At the same time, it is emphasized that the personnel “continue to carry out combat missions,” and the situation in the country remains difficult.

Representatives of the Tuareg rebels claim that government forces and their allies left Kidal in accordance with a prior agreement. At the same time, there is no consensus among Russian Z-channels and military bloggers regarding the reasons for the withdrawal.

Some claim that this was a forced withdrawal due to the threat of encirclement, while others argue that it was merely a redeployment of forces and equipment to safer positions.

According to Le Monde, approximately 2,000 soldiers from the African Corps are deployed in Mali. They remain in camps in the cities of Sevare and Gao.

In recent days, Mali has been experiencing one of the most serious escalations in recent years. Jihadists and Tuaregs simultaneously attacked a number of cities—including Kidal, Gao, Sevare, and the capital, Bamako.

Strategic targets were hit, including Bamako Airport and the defense minister’s residence. According to reports, the official may have been killed in the attack.

Kidal had long served as the de facto capital of the Tuareg rebels. In 2023, the city came under the control of government forces with the support of Russian mercenaries, which was considered one of their key achievements in the region.

However, current events may indicate a loss of control over the situation. According to analysts, the Malian government is in the midst of a deep security crisis.

“Whatever happens in the coming days, this is a crushing defeat for the junta… the government is teetering,” notes a source within regional security forces.

Since 2012, an armed conflict has been ongoing in Mali between government troops, Tuareg rebels, and Islamist groups. Following the 2021 military coup, the country’s authorities began actively cooperating with Russia.

Initially, Wagner Group mercenaries operated in the region, but they were later replaced by the Russian Defense Ministry’s African Corps. French troops, who had previously supported the Malian government, left the country due to the political crisis and deteriorating relations with the junta.