Russia's Africa Corps withdraws from Malian city amid rebel attacks
Mali soldiers after the attack on the Mali Kati military base, April 26, 2026 (Photo: REUTERS/Stringer)
The so-called Africa Corps of the Russian Defense Ministry officially confirmed its withdrawal from the city of Kidal in northeastern Mali, Africa Corps reported on the morning of April 27.
Africa Corps units left the settlement alongside military personnel of the Malian army, it was noted.
The personnel continues to "carry out the assigned combat mission," while the situation in Mali "remains difficult," the Africa Corps added.
The most extensive attacks by armed groups on the military junta and its allies, including Russian mercenaries, in recent years are ongoing in Mali.
Armed groups carried out coordinated attacks across the country that lasted until April 26, while explosions and prolonged gunfire were reported in the Malian capital, Bamako, overnight. Furthermore, shooting was reported in the northern city of Kidal on April 26.
Unconfirmed videos from military facilities allegedly captured by rebels and footage of a downed helicopter likely carrying Russian Defense Ministry Africa Corps troops circulated on social media. Battles were also recorded near the city of Kati, where a key military base near the capital is located, Gao, and the central cities of Sevare and Mopti.
A military junta led by Gen. Assimi Goita, who became the country's leader following a 2020 coup, is now the ruling authority in Mali. The junta was initially supported by the population, as it promised to overcome the prolonged security crisis. Uprisings by Islamist militants linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have been taking place in Mali for many years.
In addition, the separatist Azawad Liberation Front — a self-proclaimed unrecognized Tuareg state declared in 2012 — operates in the north of the country. Members of this separatist movement are fighting to create their own ethnic state, a significant part of which they effectively control.
UN and French troops deployed to combat the escalating insurgency left Mali after the junta came to power. It brought in Russian mercenaries to counter the instability.
The Malian junta is now supported by Russian Defense Ministry-controlled Africa Corps, created from natives of African countries and former Wagner PMC fighters.
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