Africa Daily Focus on Africa: Russia's Wagner Group leaves Mali
Jun 10, 2025
Paul Mellie, a consulting fellow at Chatham House, offers insights into the Wagner Group's pullout from Mali, discussing its mixed legacy and Russia's enduring influence in the region. Lebo Diseko highlights the impressive growth of Christianity in Africa, now home to over a third of global Christians, driven by a youthful population blending traditional beliefs with faith. Lucas Olo Fernandez sheds light on Annobón's independence movement, revealing its calls for Argentine support and the cultural identity struggles of its people amidst neglect and hardship.
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Wagner to Africa Corps Shift
- Wagner Group operated as a private military contractor with close ties to Russia but was more a private business.
- Its relabeling to Africa Corps signals more formal Russian defense control and less of a private operation.
Wagner's Mixed Mission Results
- Wagner claims mission accomplished by helping Mali government reassert control over northern separatist regions.
- However, it has not controlled jihadist insurgency, which continues to spread.
Russia's Growing Influence Strategy
- Russia is shifting from symbolic presence in Africa to actively extending influence by offering security and economic deals.
- This includes protecting regimes and engaging in extractive economic activities to fuel returns.