Putin’s Strategic Setback: Russian Forces Ousted from Mali by Separatists and Jihadists

In Johannesburg, the news of a significant setback for Russia’s mercenary forces in Mali is making waves. The mercenaries faced fierce opposition from jihadist and tribal militias, marking a notable defeat. Deadly raids orchestrated by al Qaeda-linked insurgents and predominantly Muslim Tuareg tribesmen continue to plague cities throughout the West African nation. Compounding the chaos, there are reports that prominent figures within Mali’s military junta have been either killed or wounded.

Experts suggest that this could represent a pivotal moment in Russia’s sway over West Africa. The Kremlin had been exploiting Mali’s rich mineral deposits, including gold, in exchange for a promise to shield the nation from insurgent threats. However, on Sunday, reports surfaced that Russian mercenaries were compelled to abandon their stronghold in the northern city of Kidal.

Ulf Laessing, who leads the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, shared with the Associated Press, “The attacks are a significant setback for Russia.” He further noted, “The mercenaries were blindsided by the attacks, lacking crucial intelligence, and could not secure key cities. Their failure to differentiate between civilians and combatants has unnecessarily intensified the conflict.”

Footage viewed by Fox News Digital shows deceased soldiers, believed to be Russian based on their appearance, and Russian military vehicles reportedly departing Kidal. This visual evidence further highlights the unfolding crisis.

Amidst the chaos, a column of dark smoke towers over buildings in Bamako, as vehicles navigate past the Africa Tower monument. The synchronized assaults on April 25, 2026, carried out by Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted multiple locations in the expansive, arid region. Violence flared again on April 26 in several areas, including Kita near Bamako, as well as in Kidal, Gao, and Sévaré. Meanwhile, Tuareg rebels declared an agreement allowing Russian forces supporting Mali’s army to withdraw from Kidal, a city they claim is now entirely under their control.

The Defense News Nigeria media site reported that Russia’s Africa Corps stated in 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 blog on Telegram Monday, claiming to come from Kidal, stated “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 spokesperson for the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front, or FLA, told the Associated Press that the Russian troops have withdrawn from the city after a “white” agreement was reached. This has not been confirmed by either Mali’s government or Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This undated photograph handed out by the French military shows three Russian mercenaries, right, in northern Mali. Russia has engaged in under-the-radar military operations in at least half a dozen countries in Africa in the last five years using a shadowy mercenary force analysts say is loyal to President Vladimir Putin. The analysts say the Africa Corps, formerly the Wagner Group, of mercenaries is also key to Putin’s ambitions to re-impose Russian influence on a global scale.  (French Army via AP)

Russia’s ministry of foreign affairs said on its Telegram account that “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 took power in a coup in 2020, Monday announced that both the chief of the armed forces’ general staff, Gen. Oumar Diarra, and the director of the national security agency, Gen. Modibo Koné, have been wounded in attacks.

The government confirmed earlier that Sadio Camara, said to be the second most important figure in Mali’s military junta, had been killed in the fighting. Camara was Mali’s defense minister, and is widely credited with bringing in Moscow’s mercenary Africa Corps to assist in battling the militia.

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

“The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Mali,” a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital 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.”

File picture of Wagner group forces, now known as the Russia Corps, in Mali in 2024. (East2West)

The U.S. Embassy in Mali warned Sunday on its website that “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 said 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.

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