Media: Russian "Africa corps" withdraw from third base in Mali

Russian forces from the so-called Africa Corps and the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) are withdrawing from a third key base in northeastern Mali, as pressure mounts from Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups following a major coordinated offensive.

After pulling out of Kidal on April 26 and the strategic town of Tessalit on May 1, troops have now begun retreating from their base in Aguelhok, Le Monde reports, citing military and local sources.

The withdrawals come amid sustained attacks launched on April 25 by the pro-independence Azawad Liberation Front (ALF) and the al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), in what has been described as one of the largest offensives in Mali in recent years.

A senior ALF official said around 100 Africa Corps personnel and 400 Malian troops had been stationed in Aguelhok prior to the offensive, with some forces still present as of May 4. However, sources indicated that at least 30 vehicles departed the base to join a larger convoy regrouping south of Tessalit.

The withdrawal is reportedly taking place under a “comprehensive agreement” between the ALF, JNIM and Africa Corps, allowing Russian troops to leave the area without being attacked. The arrangement is said to have been facilitated by Algeria, which has longstanding ties in the region and has sought to avoid further escalation near its borders.

A Malian intermediary said the move also reflects Algeria’s opposition to foreign military presence near its territory, noting it had previously objected to both French and Russian deployments.

Despite the pullbacks in the north, an estimated 2,500 Russian personnel remain in Mali, with no indication of a broader withdrawal. According to French military sources, their focus is shifting toward consolidating forces in central and southern regions to support the military government led by interim president Assimi Goïta.

Mali has been under military rule since a 2021 coup, with Russian support playing a key role after the departure of French forces in 2022. Fighters from the Wagner Group had previously helped recapture Kidal in 2023 before being replaced by the Africa Corps following internal upheaval within the group.

By Sabina Mammadli