Major blow to Putin in Africa as Russian forces driven from Mali stronghold by separatists, jihadists

Analysts say Russia's Africa Corps defeat in Mali could be a turning point for Moscow's influence in West Africa as jihadist attacks continue.

Africa's Mali crisis widens as extremist groups advance and state control erodes

Mali is experiencing a major escalation in violence, with jihadist groups advancing and the defense minister assassinated. The crisis threatens to destabilize the Sahel region.
AllAfrica on MSN

Attacks in Mali Mark Long Trajectory of Worsening Security

The synchronized militant Islamist and separatist attacks across Mali reflect a steady deterioration in security that will require a broader coalition of domestic, regional, and international partners to reverse.

It's difficult in Mali: A Russian helicopter was shot down, the African Corps is being withdrawn from Kidal — Tsarev

EADaily, April 26th, 2026. In Mali, the situation is very difficult, there was information about the withdrawal of the African Corps of the Russian Armed Forces from the city of Kidal. The politician Oleg Tsarev writes about this in his telegram channel.

Mali reeling after coordinated attacks hit multiple cities

Gunfire and explosions have rocked Mali's capital Bamako and other key cities in one of the most significant coordinated attacks in years, as armed groups, including jihadist insurgents and separatist rebels exploit worsening insecurity in the Sahel region.

Putin humiliated as Russian mercenaries in Africa forced to withdraw

Mali’s Kremlin-backed junta has been left in crisis and Russian forces humiliated after a wave of attacks by jihadists and separatists.

Russia, an unreliable ally to Mali's weakened junta

On Sunday, April 26, after the Azawad Liberation Front rebels seized control of Kidal, at least 400 paramilitaries from Africa Corps were evacuated from the city under armed escort.