Russian Africa Corps

The Russian Africa Corps is a Russian paramilitary organization reportedly operating in Mali. It has recently become newsworthy due to alleged engagements with Tuareg fighters. Specifically, Tuareg forces have released footage claiming to have shot down a Russian Africa Corps Mi-24 helicopter in Mali. This incident highlights the ongoing instability and conflict in the region. Furthermore, Russian fighters, presumably associated with this group or similar Russian entities, have confirmed their withdrawal from the northern Malian city of Kidal following separatist attacks. The Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Mali, has denounced these attacks as a plot by "enemies of the liberation of the Sahel." The presence and activities of the Russian Africa Corps in Mali are significant as they represent a continued Russian military and security presence in the Sahel region, often in support of military juntas and in areas where Western forces have withdrawn.