Vladimir Putin’s military operations in Mali have come under severe scrutiny following allegations of horrific human rights abuses. Reports indicate that Russian forces, specifically the newly deployed Africa Corps, have committed acts of rape, beheading, and organ removal against civilians in the ongoing conflict against Islamic extremism in the region.
The Africa Corps took over military operations in Mali from the notorious Wagner Group earlier this year. While Wagner was infamous for its brutal tactics and human rights violations, an investigation conducted by the Associated Press suggests that the replacement force has continued a legacy of violence. A fleeing village chief described the situation as a “scorched-earth policy,” stating, “The soldiers speak to no one. Anyone they see, they shoot. No questions, no warning.”
Eyewitness accounts reveal a grim reality, with refugees showing videos of their villages being torched. Survivors reported discovering the bodies of loved ones with organs missing, underscoring the brutality faced by civilians. Since Russia’s military involvement in Mali began in 2021, instead of providing protection from groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, the local population now finds itself under attack from multiple sides.
Allegations of a New Reign of Terror
Malian civilians had hoped that the transition from Wagner to the Africa Corps would mark an end to their suffering. Instead, it has ushered in what some are calling a “new reign of terror.” The village chief pointed out that the soldiers remain the same, merely funded by the Kremlin, as he stated, “There is no difference between Wagner and the Africa Corps.”
Experts, including Sukru Cansizoglu, the Mauritania representative for the United Nations refugee agency, emphasized the difficulty in accurately assessing the extent of violence in Mali. “There are a lot of people raped, attacked, killed,” he noted, adding that pinpointing the exact perpetrators remains a challenge.
These events unfold against a backdrop of praise from Russian state media, which has touted the Africa Corps as defenders of Mali against terrorism. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that this force was deployed “at the request of Malian authorities,” although no official acknowledgment of their presence has been made by the Malian government.
Financial Ties and Military Presence
The relationship between Russia and Mali has deepened over recent months, with a series of agreements focusing on strengthening economic ties. Reports indicate that the Malian military was significantly underfunded as of 2021, prompting reliance on private military contractors. Estimates suggest that Russia has been compensated approximately $10 million (£7.5 million) monthly for military assistance.
While specific details regarding the Africa Corps‘s deployment remain vague, estimates suggest that around 2,000 personnel are involved. This new paramilitary force was reportedly developed following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in March 2023, after he staged a brief rebellion against Putin.
As investigations continue, the international community watches closely, aware that the situation in Mali reflects broader challenges facing global human rights and security. The ongoing violence not only threatens the stability of Mali but also raises questions about the role of foreign powers in regional conflicts.
