**Wagner Mercenaries Exit Mali After Years of Conflict**
The Wagner mercenary group, founded by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, has announced its withdrawal from Mali, bringing an end to their fight against rebel groups. In a social media post on June 6, the group claimed that “mission accomplished” and stated that they were returning home.
Wagner mercenaries had been fighting alongside Malian government forces since 2021 in an effort to fend off Islamic insurgents. However, the group’s departure from Mali comes as little surprise given the heavy losses they suffered at the hands of Tuareg-led rebels. In fact, it was reported that Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers had suffered significant casualties in their battles with the rebels.
**A Legacy of Violence and Controversy**
The Russian mercenary group has a long history of controversy, including its involvement in Ukraine and a short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in 2023. Wagner mercenaries have been accused of perpetrating war crimes and widespread looting across the African continent, where they have a strong presence.
In Mali specifically, the group was accused of human rights abuses, including the deliberate killing of civilians. In December 2024, Human Rights Watch accused Wagner mercenaries and Malian government forces of killing 32 civilians in a targeted attack.
**A Continued Presence**
Despite the withdrawal of Wagner mercenaries from Mali, the “Africa Corps,” under the command of Russia’s Defense Ministry, will continue to have an active presence on the ground. This raises questions about the true extent of Russian involvement in the conflict and whether the Kremlin is seeking to maintain its influence in the region.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Mali broke diplomatic ties with Ukraine over allegations of support for Tuareg-led rebels. While Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry later denied any direct involvement, the controversy surrounding Wagner mercenaries and their actions in Mali continues to simmer.
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