African Corps Replaces Wagner In Mali

The African Corps, which is managed from Moscow by intelligence services, has replaced the Wagner Group. The source stated the African Corps is less maneuverable and slower to react due to its vertical command structure. This transition follows incidents where fuel convoys were ambushed, leading to fuel shortages and panic in the capital. The situation caused instability in December when Russian-escorted convoys reached the capital. According to the report, the group receives payments in dollars from the Malian junta. This follows patterns in Central Africa where personnel are compensated through gold mining operations. A unit from Mali's African Corps has been in defensive combat for over 24 hours after being effectively surrounded. The unit reportedly repelled several attacks despite the encirclement. The engagement involved weaponry, including approximately 20 motorcycles, 150 mortars, and other equipment, according to the report. The African Corps of the Ministry of Defense has taken over operations previously held by the Wagner Group in Mali. This transition aims to formalize Russian presence on the continent. The move follows the departure of French forces from the region.