On June 6 (local time), the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, announced its withdrawal from Mali. The organization stated in a video announcement, “We have completed our mission and are returning to our homeland.” Since 2021, Wagner mercenaries have been fighting alongside government forces in the West African nation of Mali against rebel movements, including Islamic terrorist armed groups and Tuareg armed organizations.
Wagner claimed, “We have eliminated thousands of armed militants and their commanders who have been terrorizing civilians for years.” The announcement pointed out that with the completion of the building of Mali’s security forces, the organization has fulfilled its mission.
However, what was not mentioned in the announcement was that the mercenaries had suffered significant casualties, including the deaths of several senior commanders, in the intense fighting over the past few months.
Reports stated that in Mali, which has a population of 24 million, General Assimi Goïta came to power through two military coups in 2020 and 2021.
Wagner Group mercenaries have been active on the African continent for years. In addition to Mali, Wagner mercenaries are also deployed in the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Niger, and other countries.