Footage released by Russia’s defence ministry shows a helicopter launching rockets in an operation the ministry says targets Tuareg rebels in Mali. The video follows a series of clashes that have forced the Russian‑backed private‑military group, the Africa Corps, to withdraw from the northern town of Kidal after coordinated attacks by Tuareg fighters and their jihadist allies.
The joint assault, carried out over the weekend, was directed at positions held by the ruling junta and its Russian supporters. According to local sources, the rebels struck several junta outposts, including locations near the capital, Bamako. The fighting resulted in the death of Mali’s defence minister, Saïdou Camara, a key figure behind the junta’s strategic pivot toward Moscow.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Tuareg rebels demanded the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Mali, accusing the intervening troops of “supporting people who committed serious crimes and massacres.” The statement underscores the growing backlash against Russia’s military presence in the country.
The Russian defence ministry confirmed that its Africa Corps personnel have been ordered to leave Kidal, acknowledging the deteriorating security situation. The departure marks a significant setback for Russia’s expanding influence in West Africa, where it has sought to fill a vacuum left by waning Western engagement.
The United Nations expressed “deep concern” over the recent wave of violence, calling on all parties to cease hostilities and protect civilians. The UN’s statement highlights the broader regional implications of the conflict, which threatens to destabilise an already fragile political environment.
Mali’s crisis began in August 2020 when a military coup ousted the elected government, leading to a transitional junta that has since leaned on Russian security assistance. The arrival of the Africa Corps in early 2023 was part of a broader strategy to bolster the junta’s counter‑insurgency capabilities. However, the recent rebel offensive and the death of Camara signal mounting resistance to both the junta and its foreign backers.
As the situation evolves, the international community is monitoring the developments closely. Further withdrawals by Russian forces could reshape the security dynamics of the Sahel region, while continued rebel activity may prompt additional diplomatic or humanitarian interventions.
