Russian private military company Wagner has completed its mission to support Mali’s military junta in fighting against Islamist insurgents. The group announced on Friday that it is returning home, after a two-year operation in the Sahel region.
Mali has been plagued by jihadist and separatist insurgencies since 2012. A military junta seized power in 2020 and turned to Russia for support after breaking ties with France and other Western partners.
Wagner’s involvement in Mali was marked by allegations of exploiting the country’s gold reserves in exchange for services. The group claimed it helped create a strong and disciplined army capable of defending the land, but human rights groups have accused both Wagner and the Malian army of committing abuses against civilians.
As of March, up to 1,500 Russian Wagner fighters were believed to be operating in Mali. Wagner has also deployed its mercenaries in other conflicts, including the Ukraine war and several African countries.
The move comes after the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died in a plane crash last year. Russia’s Defense Ministry absorbed Wagner’s overseas operations following his death.
Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/06/wagner-mercenary-group-ends-support-mission-in-mali-a89368