In a series of intense battles in late July, Mali’s northern Tuareg rebels reported killing at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. The rebel group, the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (CSP), shared these figures after days of fierce fighting near the northern border town of Tinzaouaten. An al Qaeda affiliate also claimed responsibility for killing 50 Wagner fighters in an ambush in the same area.
Before this latest claim, the losses marked Wagner’s most significant defeat since they began supporting Mali’s military authorities two years ago. Both Mali and Wagner have refrained from disclosing specific troop losses, although Wagner acknowledged in a rare statement on July 29 that it had suffered heavy casualties. Malian authorities also confirmed severe losses without providing exact numbers.
Despite the setbacks, Russian-Malian cooperation seems unaffected. On Thursday, Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had discussed ongoing support with his Malian counterpart. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s commitment to assisting Mali on socioeconomic issues, enhancing the combat capabilities of its armed forces, and training military personnel, though he did not mention the recent clashes.
Russian forces have been present in Mali since the military took power through coups in 2020 and 2021, expelling French and U.N. troops that had been combating Islamist insurgents for a decade. The Malian government has accused Tuareg and jihadist groups of collaborating. However, the CSP stated that it fought alone during the recent clashes.
The CSP reported capturing seven Malian soldiers and Wagner fighters, along with a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other equipment.
The Tuareg people, who inhabit the Sahara desert, including parts of northern Mali, have long felt marginalised by the Malian government. In 2012, Tuareg separatists initiated an insurgency, demanding an independent homeland called Azawad. This struggle eventually intertwined with an al Qaeda-aligned Islamist rebellion in the same region.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
German Consul General Boerner stressed media freedom’s importance, noting Nigeria’s 112th press freedom rank and…
The Federal Executive Council approved Nigeria’s 2025-2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, setting the federal budget at…
Benue State’s Commissioner for Finance has emphasised the need for farming to evolve from a…
Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has called for overdue NNPC investigation and forensic audits in the…
Researchers have suggested Sudan’s war death toll may be significantly underreported, indicating a graver humanitarian…
A man detonated explosives near Brazil’s Supreme Court in a suspected suicide bombing, raising concerns…