Bamako: The Russian private military company Wagner announced on Friday its withdrawal from Mali, ending more than three years of operations in the West African country. In a statement on Telegram, Wagner declared that their "mission is complete" and that "PMC Wagner is returning home."
According to Anadolu Agency, the group stated that it had assisted local patriots in creating a strong and disciplined army capable of defending Mali. They claimed that all regional capitals have returned to the control of the legitimate authorities. Furthermore, Wagner claimed to have killed thousands of militants and their commanders who have been terrorizing civilians for years.
Mali, a country situated in the Sahel region, has been dealing with insurgencies since 2012. The military junta in Mali sought assistance from Russia after severing ties with France and other partners. Despite Wagner's withdrawal, reports indicate that Russia will maintain a presence in Mali through its state-controlled paramilitary force, the Africa Corps.
Earlier this year, Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, officially left the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. These three countries, all under military rule, have formed their own bloc known as the Alliance of Sahel States.