Russia is increasingly losing influence in the Sahel region. This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
The loss of Russian influence is observed despite the active transfer of heavy weapons and efforts to strengthen military presence through the so-called “African Corps.”
Statements about the alleged “successful completion of the mission” by the Russian armed formation Wagner in Mali sharply contrast, according to intelligence data, with the facts on the ground: the security situation continues to deteriorate.
On the day the withdrawal of the Wagner fighters was announced, Malian government forces suffered significant losses, including losing control over the strategic military camp of Boulikessi.
Responsibility for a series of attacks was claimed by the group JNIM, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, which includes up to six thousand militants. This group effectively forms a quasi-state entity stretching from western Mali to northern Benin.
The Russian private military company Wagner announced the end of its “mission” in Mali. A message on a Telegram channel close to the mercenaries said that the group “destroyed thousands of militants,” “helped local patriots create a strong army,” and most importantly “returned all regional capitals to the control of legitimate authorities.”
The “African Corps” is an armed military formation created by Russia in 2023, including former Wagner fighters. It is considered the so-called successor to the Wagner PMC on the African continent.
