PR in the Philippines

(SeaPRwire) –   JOHANNESBURG: Reports are emerging from Mali of a significant defeat for Russia’s mercenary Africa Corps in clashes with jihadist and tribal militias. Fatal attacks by al Qaeda-affiliated rebels and predominantly Muslim Tuareg tribespeople across cities in the West African nation persisted on Monday, alongside reports that high-ranking members of Mali’s military junta have been killed or wounded.

Analysts suggest this event might mark a pivotal moment for Moscow’s influence in West Africa. Russia has been extracting Mali’s valuable minerals—including gold—in exchange for vowing to defend the country against rebel groups. However, on Sunday, rebels claimed that Russian mercenaries had been compelled to retreat from their base in the northern city of Kidal.

“The attacks are a major blow to Russia”, Ulf Laessing, who leads the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, told the Associated Press. He added, “The (Russian) mercenaries had no intelligence about the attacks and were unable to protect major cities. They have unnecessarily worsened the conflict by not distinguishing between civilians and combatants.”

Digital has viewed footage of deceased soldiers who appear to be Russian, as well as Russian military vehicles allegedly leaving Kidal.

The Defense News Nigeria outlet reported that Russia’s Africa Corps stated from Kidal: “they were heavily outnumbered by a ratio of 6 to 1,” adding, “the Corps claimed that between 10,000 and 12,000 fighters were involved in yesterday’s attacks. There are 2,000 Russian mercenaries operating in Mali. The Malian government pays Wagner $10 million per month for security,” according to the Nigerian publication.

A Russian Telegram blog, claiming to be based in Kidal, stated on Monday: “the units of the African Corps that were stationed and fought in Kidal left this settlement together with the military personnel of the Malian army. First of all, wounded servicemen and heavy equipment were evacuated. The personnel continues to carry out the assigned combat mission. The situation in the Republic of Mali remains difficult.”

A representative for the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) told the Associated Press that Russian troops had withdrawn from the city following a “white” agreement. This claim has not been confirmed by either Mali’s government or Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on its Telegram account: “two hundred and fifty militants attacked Bamako Senou International Airport and the military base located nearby. The Malian Armed Forces repelled the attack and are currently taking further steps to eliminate the militia that may have been, reportedly, trained by Western security agencies. Russia is deeply concerned about these developments. This terrorist activity poses a direct threat to the stability of friendly Mali and could have the most serious consequences for the entire region.”

Mali’s military junta— which first seized power in a 2020 coup— announced on Monday that Gen. Oumar Diarra, chief of the armed forces’ general staff, and Gen. Modibo Koné, director of the national security agency, have both been wounded in attacks.

The government confirmed earlier that Sadio Camara— described as the second most important figure in Mali’s military junta— had been killed in the fighting. Camara served as Mali’s defense minister and is widely credited with bringing Moscow’s mercenary Africa Corps to assist in battling the militias.

The rebels attempting to take control of Mali are said to be jihadists from Nusrat al-Islam (GSIM/JNIM) linked with FLA tribespeople and other groups, including at least one connected to the Islamic State. GSIM’s declared aim is to turn Mali into an al Qaeda-linked Islamic caliphate governed by strict Sharia law.

“The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Mali,” a State Department spokesperson told Digital on Monday, adding: “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected. We stand with the Malian people and government in the face of this violence. The United States remains committed to supporting efforts to advance peace, stability, and security across Mali and the region.”

The U.S. Embassy in Mali warned on its website Sunday: “U.S. citizens should continue to shelter in place, remain alert, follow local news for updates, and avoid areas where security operations may be underway.”

On Monday, multiple reports indicated that Malian troops and Russian mercenaries have also been forced by rebels to withdraw from the northern Malian city of Tessit. At the time of publication, this had not been confirmed by the Malian government.