Russian Africa Corps mercenaries face major setback in Kidal as jihadist offensive intensifies in Mali

In a turn of events that serves as both a strategic and symbolic blow, the Russian mercenaries of the Africa Corps—who replaced the Wagner Group in 2025—have retreated from the northern stronghold of Kidal. On Sunday, April 26, these allies of the Bamako junta were forced to withdraw under intense pressure from the GSIM (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims) and their partners, the FLA (Azawad Liberation Front) Tuareg rebels. This Africa breaking news highlight has been marked by humiliating footage circulating online, showing the rapid departure of Russian forces.

The retreat was so disorganized that the Africa Corps abandoned dozens of armored vehicles and helicopters, leaving them in the hands of the GSIM and FLA. While the mercenaries fled, several Mali soldiers were reportedly taken prisoner following brief skirmishes. This development comes as the Sahel nation faces a wave of coordinated strikes targeting strategic positions across the country, reaching as far as the outskirts of the capital, Bamako. For those following African current affairs, this represents a significant shift in the regional security landscape.

A reversal of the 2023 victory

The Africa Corps, which operates under the oversight of the Russian Ministry of Defense, has since confirmed its withdrawal from Kidal. For the FLA rebels, this is a moment of revenge; eighteen months earlier, in November 2023, Wagner mercenaries had seized the city and raised their skull-and-crossbones banner. Kidal had been the only major strategic achievement for Russian forces since they arrived in Mali in 2021. Its loss now signals a profound failure for the junta’s international partners.

The coordinated offensive by the GSIM, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, has not been limited to the north. Attacks have also struck Kati—home to the nation’s primary military headquarters—and Gao, a former UN hub. At least six major urban centers have been targeted simultaneously, creating a state of emergency that is being closely monitored by The African Tribune.

Increasing violence and ineffective partnerships

Since the 2021 coup d’état, Mali has been governed by a military junta. However, the security situation has deteriorated significantly, with the country becoming a global epicenter for terrorism by 2025. Despite the junta’s reliance on Russian paramilitary groups to stabilize the nation, the violence has only escalated. Reports from international organizations have highlighted a disturbing rise in conflict-related sexual violence and abuses against civilians involving both the Mali armed forces and their Russian counterparts.

Analysts specializing in African governance and militant movements suggest that the Russian mercenaries have long proven ineffective as counter-terrorism partners. The recent weekend of chaos, where GSIM fighters were seen entering Bamako with little resistance, reinforces this perspective. In Kati, a bomb attack even claimed the life of the Defense Minister, Sadio Camara, after his residence was destroyed.

Claims of betrayal in the north

In the wake of the attacks, Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga and President Assimi Goïta have attempted to project an image of stability. Assimi Goïta stated in a televised address that the situation was “under control” and vowed to continue operations until all involved groups were neutralized. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story of continent news importance.

Within the Mali military, voices are beginning to whisper of betrayal. Some officers claim that the Russian mercenaries were warned of the Kidal attack days in advance but chose to negotiate their own exit rather than defend the position. As the Africa Corps reportedly prepares to vacate other northern towns, the regular Mali army finds itself increasingly isolated. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed claims of failure, asserting that their forces successfully prevented a coup attempt, despite the evident territorial losses.