In a catastrophic incident for Russian paramilitary forces, dozens of Russian mercenaries were killed in a rebel ambush in northern Mali, marking their worst known loss in Africa. The attack, which unfolded last week near the Algerian border, has sent shockwaves through the region and posed significant questions about Russia's proxy strategy in the Sahel.
Rebel fighters, reportedly from a coalition of Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked groups, claimed responsibility for the attack. Videos circulating online show the aftermath, with bodies strewn across the desert and militants kicking captured Russians. These gruesome scenes highlight the increasing danger faced by Russian forces operating in volatile regions of Africa.
The ambush occurred as the Russian mercenaries were accompanying Malian government troops on patrol. The rebels claimed to have executed a "complex ambush," resulting in the deaths of 50 Russians and several Malian soldiers. According to some Russian Telegram channels, the death toll could be as high as 80.
The scale of this loss is unprecedented for Russian forces in Africa, who have been active in Mali and other countries to support local regimes and counter Western influence. Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), made a startling revelation, claiming that Ukrainian intelligence had provided the rebels with information that facilitated the attack. "The rebels received necessary information, which enabled a successful military operation against Russian war criminals," Yusov stated.
The Wagner Group, a private military contractor now integrated into the Russian Defense Ministry's African Corps, has suffered severe casualties in past conflicts, including in Syria and Ukraine. However, the recent losses in Mali underscore the heightened risks of their operations in Africa. Channels associated with Wagner reported that the group initially inflicted heavy losses on the militants but eventually succumbed to a series of coordinated attacks involving heavy weapons and drones.
Among the casualties was Sergei Shevchenko, the commander of the Russian contingent, and reportedly Nikita Fedyanin, a popular Russian military blogger. Fedyanin's death, while not officially confirmed, has been widely accepted after the Grey Zone Telegram channel, which he managed, ceased updates.
The impact of this ambush extends beyond the immediate loss of life. It challenges the efficacy of Russian mercenary operations in Africa, where they have been instrumental in supporting regimes in Mali, the Central African Republic, and other countries. Robert Besseling, CEO of security firm Pangea-Risk, highlighted the strategic implications, stating, "High-profile defeats for Russia's Africa Corps will make the Kremlin's export of security services to military juntas in Africa a more difficult sell."
This incident could drive African governments to reconsider their security alliances, potentially looking towards emerging partners like Turkey and the UAE. The reliance on Russian paramilitaries, often contracted in exchange for access to natural resources, may diminish in light of their recent failures and the high costs associated with their services.
The Wagner Group has been operating in Mali since the military junta took power in 2021. Their involvement has been controversial, with reports of human rights abuses and a mixed record in combating militant groups. The recent ambush by Tuareg and al-Qaeda-affiliated rebels has further tarnished their reputation.
The Institute for the Study of War suggested that Russia's Ministry of Defense might use this defeat to push for the replacement of Wagner units with other elements of the African Corps. However, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the limited resources, a complete replacement may not be feasible.
