Russian Paramilitary Launches Airstrikes Near Bamako as Mali Defence Minister Sadio Camara Killed
A Russian paramilitary group has launched airstrikes against rebel forces near Mali's capital, Bamako, following a substantial offensive against the ruling military government. Jihadist and Tuareg separatist forces initiated attacks across Mali on Saturday, reportedly killing the country's Defence Minister, Sadio Camara.
Africa Corps Engages Rebels, Withdraws from Kidal
The Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps, which provides military support to the Malian government, released videos purportedly showing airstrikes and attack helicopters engaging rebel troops. These clips were geolocated to Kati, approximately 20km from Bamako. Despite this display of force, the mercenaries confirmed their withdrawal from Kidal in northern Mali, a key operational hub for the military. Verified footage subsequently showed rebels occupying the abandoned base.
Mali has endured over a decade of conflict against various rebel factions. The current military leadership seized power in 2020, citing the civilian administration's failure to manage the security situation effectively. Since then, efforts against groups such as the al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) have seen limited success, with Bamako experiencing a blockade late last year.
Jean-Hervé Jezequel, Sahel director with the International Crisis Group, described the latest attacks as a "major escalation." Reports indicate widespread fighting, with 22 videos confirming rebel movements in seven locations since Saturday. Jezequel noted that JNIM's strategy now includes targeting major cities, shifting from its previous focus on rural and peripheral areas.
Defence Minister's Assassination and Russian Response
Saturday's attack saw rebels target Defence Minister Sadio Camara's residence in Kati. A government spokesperson stated Camara died in a firefight following a suicide bombing at his home. Satellite imagery confirmed severe damage to the area, with Camara's property completely destroyed. The Africa Corps responded with airstrikes, including drone footage showing a missile attack on a convoy of rebel pick-up trucks on the outskirts of Kati.
The Wagner Group, subsequently replaced by the directly Moscow-controlled Africa Corps, arrived in Mali in 2021 following the withdrawal of French troops. Dr Sorcha MacLeod, formerly of the UN's working group on mercenaries, stated the Africa Corps maintained Wagner's arrangement: security services in exchange for payments and "access to valuable natural resources." However, the force, estimated at around 2,500 troops, has reportedly struggled against the momentum of JNIM and the FLA.
The loss of Kidal represents a significant setback for the Malian government. While the Africa Corps claimed to remove "heavy equipment" before their withdrawal, rebel footage showed armoured personnel carriers and vehicles left behind. Malian troops have also withdrawn from Tessalit further north, and clashes have occurred near the main Africa Corps facility in Bamako.
Dr MacLeod suggested other client states employing Africa Corps would be "watching very closely," potentially questioning the paramilitary's effectiveness given its struggles in the north. "The model offered by Moscow isn't working but at the same time is costing poor countries millions in natural resources. It's unsustainable."