DOUANKARA, Mauritania (AP) — A new Russian military unit, known as the Africa Corps, has reportedly replaced the Wagner mercenary group in Mali, and numerous accounts from civilians fleeing the violence indicate that the new unit is engaging in severe abuses, including rapes and beheadings. Refugees have stated that the Africa Corps is employing similar brutal tactics as Wagner in their operations against extremist groups in the region.
As civilians fled their homes, many described a new wave of terror introduced by Africa Corps. The firsthand testimonies suggest that there is a continuity of violence and brutality among the fighters, raising concerns about Moscow's responsibility for the actions of the unit. The AP managed to gain access to the Mauritanian border, where thousands of displaced Malians have sought refuge, interviewing 34 refugees, most of whom spoke anonymously out of fear of reprisals.
The reports reflect a grim reality in West Africa's Sahel region, where the intensity of extremist violence has resulted in thousands of deaths. Military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, frustrated by their reliance on Western assistance, have turned to Russia for support in combating militants linked to al-Qaida and ISIS. Initially, the presence of Africa Corps raised hopes among locals for a reduction in violence, but refugees voiced their disillusionment, citing the same methods of massacre and terror that characterized Wagner’s activities.
Malian officials have yet to publicly acknowledge the presence of the Africa Corps, though Russian state media has lauded the unit for its role in combating terrorism in Mali. This lack of transparency complicates the situation as refugees narrate gruesome stories of violence, abduction, and sexual abuse by men they describe as ‘white.’ One woman recounted how armed men forcibly took her son, torturing him before killing him while she watched helplessly.
Refugees have increasingly expressed how they feel caught between the crossfire of extremist groups and their own military forces. Those who attempt to flee with their families often face punitive actions from both sides. This cycle of violence has led to escalated abuses from all actors involved in the conflict, highlighting the need for accountability as the civilian death toll continues to rise. For many, the situation has grown increasingly desperate; reports indicate that while the number of civilian deaths attributed to Russians may have decreased this year compared to the last, the lack of reliable data stems from widespread fear among communities to report abuses.
The evolution from Wagner to Africa Corps appears to reflect a mere rebranding, as survivors claim that the tactics, personnel, and brutality remain unchanged. Experts note that Russia's Defense Ministry’s integration of Africa Corps makes the Russian government liable for any war crimes committed under its auspices. Additionally, reports indicate that not all fighters are Russian; evidence suggests African recruits are also part of the unit, raising further questions about the scope and operational dynamics of these forces.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with an increasing number of refugees overwhelmed by memories of violence, loss, and trauma. Many civilians who managed to escape express a disconnection from their former lives, describing a haunting sense of survival without meaning. Families are torn apart as they continue to face the stark reality that their communities may never recover from the brutal onslaughts they have faced.
Amid the harrowing accounts, the plight of individuals like Mougaloa, Fatma, and Bocar reflects a broader narrative of despair within a society grappling with ongoing violence, extreme insecurity, and systemic impunity. The unique and complex nature of the conflict in Mali necessitates urgent international attention and a reevaluation of the anti-terror strategies employed by both local and foreign entities.
