Russian Military Intervention Falters in Mali's Escalating Crisis
Russian forces operating in Mali under the Africa Corps banner have proven unable to dismantle a devastating fuel blockade imposed by suspected jihadist groups, leaving the West African nation trapped in an escalating security and humanitarian crisis. The situation highlights Moscow's growing military footprint across the Sahel region amid deteriorating security conditions.
From Wagner to Africa Corps: Russia's Expanding Role
Following Mali's military junta turning away from former colonial power France in 2021, the government pivoted toward Russia and its notorious Wagner paramilitary group. This relationship formalized in June when Wagner transitioned into the Africa Corps under direct control of the Russian defense ministry. The group's primary mission involves combating jihadist elements that have recently intensified attacks in southern and western Mali.
While Wagner previously achieved some tactical successes in northern Mali during 2023, recapturing key strongholds from suspected jihadists and Tuareg separatists, these victories failed to translate into broader national security improvements. The limited wins came at significant human cost, with numerous reports documenting atrocities against civilians.
Human Rights Abuses and Strategic Setbacks
Multiple investigations have revealed disturbing patterns of abuse by Russian forces. The Geneva-based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime documented in an October report that "the list of incidents in which Wagner has been identified as having committed atrocities includes massacres, acts of torture and rape of civilians."
These human rights violations have created strategic opportunities for jihadist groups, who position themselves as protectors of targeted communities. The situation has contributed to making the Sahel region what the latest Global Terrorism Index identifies as the global epicenter of terrorism.
Fuel Blockade Strangles Mali's Economy
Since September, the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has imposed a severe blockade on several towns while systematically attacking fuel convoys originating from Senegal and Ivory Coast. These routes handle the majority of Mali's imported goods, creating a nationwide supply crisis.
The Malian army has struggled to secure vital transportation corridors, resulting in numerous casualties among both drivers and soldiers. The fuel shortage now suffocates even the capital city of Bamako, demonstrating the blockade's devastating effectiveness.
Russian Africa Corps initially provided only air support but has now expanded to ground operations. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed on Thursday that the corps is "actively deployed on the ground at the request of the Malian authorities to restore fuel supplies," with both "ground and air escorts" implemented.
Despite these efforts, a European intelligence source told AFP that operations by both Malian and Russian forces "are failing and are extremely costly." The situation deteriorated further when JNIM declared on Tuesday that all tanker truck drivers would be considered "military targets" and "dealt with accordingly."
Moscow's Strategic Ambitions in Africa
The Africa Corps deployment forms part of Moscow's broader strategy to expand political, economic, and military influence across Africa, particularly as Western nations distance themselves from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The group maintains presence in several African nations including Libya, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where they primarily conduct training operations, according to Ulf Laessing, director of the Sahel programme at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Mali.
Unlike its Wagner predecessor, the Africa Corps adopts more cautious tactics. "It has participated in far fewer battles and relies heavily on air support, drones and fortified positions," noted Heni Nsaibia, senior west Africa analyst for the ACLED conflict monitor. The group has been "largely absent from the south" except for limited operations, though it increasingly assists in securing fuel convoys.
Resource Interests Drive Russian Engagement
Russia traditionally concentrates operations in northern Mali, home to rich mining resources that align with Moscow's economic interests. The junta hopes to reclaim mining sites often controlled by JNIM and the Islamic State group, particularly gold deposits that attract Russian commercial attention.
The Russian company Yadran has partnered with Mali to construct a new gold refinery expected to process 200 tonnes of gold annually. In mid-November, Malian and Russian forces recaptured the Intahaka mining site in the northern Gao region, underscoring the strategic importance of resource control.
Recent weeks have seen Moscow dispatch media outlets to Mali to produce favorable coverage of Africa Corps operations. "Military personnel from the defence ministry, especially the Africa Corps, defend Russia's interests always and everywhere," a Russian soldier told state-run channel RT. The Africa Corps declined to answer AFP's questions earlier this week.
The human cost of the conflict remains staggering. According to ACLED data, 924 civilians died in incidents involving Wagner and Malian forces during 2024, with an additional 434 casualties recorded since January 2025, painting a grim picture of the ongoing crisis.
