Analysts suggest the significant loss may shift dynamics and force Wagner to reassess its strategy in Africa
BAMAKO — The Russian private military company Wagner Group has suffered its biggest defeat in Africa in recent years, with around 50 of its mercenaries killed in an ambush by Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists and rebels in northern Mali. The incident, which took place last weekend, marks a significant setback for the secretive paramilitary group that has been operating in the region since late 2021.
The Wagner convoy was reportedly attacked along the Mali-Algeria border by members of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and allied local rebels, according to Wasim Nasr, a specialist in the sub-Saharan Sahel region at the Sufan Center security think tank. Nasr estimated the number of casualties based on a video purportedly showing the aftermath of the attack.
The mercenaries were initially engaged in combat with Tuareg rebels alongside the Malian army. Forced to retreat, the convoy entered territory controlled by Al-Qaeda jihadists, where it was ambushed, Nasr explained.
Wagner confirmed via Telegram that some of its fighters were killed in a battle with hundreds of armed fighters but did not specify the number of casualties. The Malian army reported losing two soldiers and killing 20 rebels, while Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for killing 50 Wagner members in retaliation for alleged massacres committed by the group in central and northern Mali.
Tuareg rebels announced that an unspecified number of mercenaries and Malian soldiers had surrendered to them. The Associated Press has not yet been able to independently verify the video cited by Nasr.
Nasr emphasized the significance of the incident, stating, “This is really important. It has never happened before on African soil, and it will change the dynamic. They (Wagner) will no longer send riotous expeditions like this to the border with Algeria. They boasted how well they are doing and how strong they are, but they don’t have the manpower to do this for long or to hold the territory to ensure deployment of forces.”
Russia has capitalized on the deterioration of the West’s relations with countries in the sub-Saharan Sahel region, where military coups have occurred, by sending fighters and strengthening its influence. Wagner has been active in the Sahel, profiting from seized mineral wealth in exchange for security services provided to coup governments.
The group has been present in Mali since the 2021 coup, replacing French soldiers and international peacekeepers in the fight against jihadists and insurgents who have been attacking the population in the central and northern parts of the country for over a decade. It is estimated that Wagner has around 1,000 fighters in Mali and has been accused of aiding drone attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties.
The recent defeat may force Wagner to reassess its strategy and capabilities in Africa, as its presence and actions continue to draw scrutiny and criticism from the international community.
More details awaited.
