Russian PMC in Mali Dec 2021–Jun 2025. Linked to the Moura massacre (Mar 2022, ~500 killed per UN) and other atrocities. Suffered its worst African defeat at Tinzaouaten (Jul 2024). Rebranded and handed over to Africa Corps when it announced its exit in Jun 2025.
Origin: Russia
Area of operation: Mopti & Bandiagara (central Mali), Kidal Region, Gao & Ménaka
Recent (to 21 Oct 2026)
- Two Russians captured at Tinzaouaten (Jul 2024), Aleksandr Efremov and Vasily Nagalev, were freed in Aug 2026 after 755 days and flown to Moscow on 13 Sep; a Saddam Haftar-brokered ransom is alleged (D2, Departamente, t.me/departamente/8168, 14 Sep 2026). The veterans’ channel is now a fundraising and recruitment hub (the ‘Mayak’ foundation) (D1, Belye Dyadi v Afrike (wagner_group2022), t.me/wagner_group2022/18827, 11 Sep 2026).
- Resource sites: seized the Intahaka artisanal gold site with FAMa on 10 Feb 2024 and handed it to FAMa the next day.
Relationships
- Contracted by: FAMa (Mali)
- Perpetrator: Moura massacre (Mar 2022)
- Defeated at: Battle of Tinzaouaten (Jul 2024)
Referenced by
- Africa Corps (Successor of)
- Belye Dyadi v Afrike (wagner_group2022) (Run by veterans of)
- FAMa (Mali) (Formerly partnered)
- Intahaka artisanal gold site (Seized (Feb 2024))