Dozens of refugees fleeing Mali have reported serious abuses by a new Russian military unit known as the Africa Corps, which replaced the Wagner mercenary group earlier this year. This unit is reportedly collaborating with Mali’s military to combat extremist groups, but the testimonies gathered by The Associated Press reveal a continuation of brutal tactics, including rapes and beheadings. The accounts provided by 34 refugees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, have not been widely reported in international media until now.
Since the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have shifted their allegiances from Western powers to Russia for assistance in addressing extremist violence in the Sahel region, many civilians had hoped that the transition from Wagner to the Africa Corps would lead to a more humane approach. However, reports indicate that the Africa Corps is employing similarly harsh tactics as its predecessor. Refugees described a “scorched-earth policy” where soldiers indiscriminately shoot anyone they encounter, leaving civilians unsure about the motives behind the violence they experience.
The pervasive atmosphere of fear and violence has left many villagers feeling trapped. A Malian village chief mentioned witnessing soldiers burning villages and discovering bodies of loved ones with organs missing. These actions have sparked terror rather than relief among local populations. Notably, while the Malian government has not publicly acknowledged the presence of either Wagner or the Africa Corps, Russian state media has praised the new unit for its role in combating terrorism.
The Africa Corps commenced operations following the demise of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, after he was killed in a plane crash in 2023. The Russian Defense Ministry has not disclosed the precise details of the Africa Corps, including the number of personnel involved, though analysts estimate there are around 2,000 fighters. Reports suggest that Africa Corps recruits could include individuals from various countries, indicating a diverse makeup beyond just Russian personnel.
Sporadic violence has intensified since September, especially as the al-Qaida-affiliated group, JNIM, imposed an unprecedented blockade on fuel supplies entering Mali. This exacerbates the dire humanitarian crisis facing civilians, who bear the brunt of violence from both extremist groups and governmental military forces. According to a representative from the U.N. refugee agency in Mauritania, instances of rape, assault, and killings remain pervasive, but determining the specific perpetrators is complex due to the ongoing chaos.
Experts assert that civilians find themselves caught in a difficult position, forced to navigate threats from both extremist militants and military units. Many feel they must report suspected jihadist activity to the army for fear of being killed, yet such reporting can also lead to reprisals from terrorist groups. This dangerous dilemma reflects the broader instability present in Mali.
Legal experts are increasingly concerned about the implications of the shift to the Africa Corps, suggesting that the Russian government may be held accountable for the actions of this military unit due to its direct affiliation with the Ministry of Defense. The continuity in tactics and operations between Wagner and Africa Corps raises troubling questions regarding accountability for potential war crimes committed in Mali, emphasizing the need for international scrutiny in this ongoing crisis.
