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| Terror Networks |
| Doubling Down: Russia's Military Network in West Africa |
| 2026-04-22 |
| [TheSentry] In the first five months of 2025, three large military convoys—including Russian-made trucks, tanks, armored cars, and boats—reached Mali’s capital city, Bamako. These deliveries came amidst a difficult period for Russian forces in Mali. The Wagner Group, whose paramilitary fighters have been present in the country since the end of 2021, had not only failed to achieve any significant battlefield successes in central and northern Mali; they had also failed to gain access to the country’s lucrative gold mining sector. For most of their deployment, they appear to have been paid directly by Moscow, as revealed in The Sentry’s “Mercenary Meltdown” investigation, while committing atrocities against Malian civilians. The Wagner Group announced its withdrawal from Mali in June 2025, largely handing over operations to the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps. These new weapons deliveries suggest that the Russian government is doubling down on Mali, despite the concurrent withdrawal—and multiple failures—of the Wagner Group. Though the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) claimed the equipment was sent to support the national military, most of it was intended to be used by nascent Africa Corps bases and fighters, sources in Bamako confirmed to The Sentry. The composition of the convoy suggests that Moscow is adopting a more risk-averse stance and prioritizing the protection of Africa Corps troops, as opposed to Wagner’s historically aggressive and forward-leaning approach. Beyond Mali, Russia is also increasing diplomatic engagement, providing direct military support to Sahelian leaders, and creating a strategic hub that would allow it to move with ease and project power across West Africa. The Guinea Conakry port terminal, which is operated by Russian-Guinean companies Alumina Company of Guinea (ACG-Fria) and Compagnie des Bauxites de Kindia (Kindia Bauxite Company or CBK), facilitated the aforementioned military deliveries—the port has become Russia’s gateway to the Sahel. Guinea, as well as Mali, is an integral part of Russia’s broader ambitions for influence across West Africa. With Africa Corps troops also deployed to Niger, Sudan, and Libya, the breadth of Russia’s military engagement around the region warrants scrutiny. More at the link Related: Mali: 2026-04-21 Reports of growing Islamist influence in military continue to raise serious concern Mali: 2026-04-18 Good Morning Mali: 2026-04-18 Weaponry seized in Burkina Faso, in Mali and in Bénin over the 2024-2025 period has considerably strengthened the JNIM Related: Wagner Group: 2026-04-21 UK arrests 2 teens as ‘thugs for hire’ after latest arson attack on London synagogue Wagner Group: 2026-02-27 How China is masking drone flights in potential Taiwan rehearsal Wagner Group: 2026-02-06 Top Russian general Vladimir Alekseyev shot several times at Moscow apartment building |
| Posted by:badanov |
| #2 |
| Posted by: alanc 2026-04-22 08:56 |
| #1 |
| Posted by: Skidmark 2026-04-22 00:19 |