In Mali, an armed conflict continues between government forces and the rebels of the group “Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin” (JNIM), who have launched active combat operations against the ruling junta supported by Russian mercenaries of the so-called African Corps. For the first time, Russia officially confirmed losses among its citizens in this region.
This is reported by Finway
Russian casualties and capture of equipment
The Russian Foreign Ministry acknowledged that during the retreat of the African Corps in Mali, the rebels managed to capture Russian military equipment. Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisенко stated during a meeting of the Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs that Russian units suffered losses during the attacks by the rebels and jihadists.
“The African Corps of the Ministry of Defense suffered losses during the attack by rebels and jihadists in Mali… militants in many parts of the country struck at the armed forces of this country and, unfortunately, at the units of our African Corps. As a result, there are casualties on our side, in particular”
Additionally, Borisенко confirmed the death of Mali’s Defense Minister Sadio Camara, who was one of the key supporters of this African state’s rapprochement with Russia. As Bloomberg notes, Camara not only maintained close relations with Moscow but also acted as a mediator in signing partnership agreements, earning him the nickname “Mr. Russia.”
Circumstances of the Russians’ deaths and the situation in Mali
A eulogy appeared on social media for the deceased member of the African Corps, Vladimir Shumakov, who, according to OSINT researcher Necro Manser, died on April 25. The eulogy states that Shumakov signed three contracts to participate in the so-called “SVO” and had been performing combat missions in Africa for the last 10 months.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the African Corps allegedly prevented a coup in Mali, although Tuaregs and rebels simultaneously attacked four cities, including the capital Bamako, Sevare, Gao, and Kidal. Bamako remained under government control, but the African Corps was forced to leave the city of Kidal.
Currently, the intensity of hostilities in Mali has decreased, but the outcomes remain uncertain. The rebels claimed to have captured not only Kidal but also the towns of Tessalit, Tessit, Agelhok, Ber, Menaka, as well as a gold deposit near Goa.
Experts believe that the retreat of Russian forces from Kidal deals a serious blow to Russia’s image in the region. Nina Wilén, director of the African Program at the Royal Institute of International Relations Egmont, emphasized that the Russians’ refusal to negotiate regarding Kidal and leaving their Malian allies without support worsens the perception of Russia as a reliable security partner.
According to Le Monde, about 2,000 servicemen of the Russian African Corps are stationed in Mali, replacing representatives of the Wagner Group. In previous years, after the withdrawal of Wagner, Russia intensified the deployment of its units to support local authorities.