The Russian company 'Wagner' suffered a serious defeat in Mali, where about two thousand mercenaries failed to complete the planned tasks. The Kremlin hoped to strengthen its influence in the country, but instead, it faced chaos and a loss of trust from the local authorities.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service.
Under the leadership of Assimi Goita, who heads the government, the junta hoped to cooperate with Russia and use 'Wagnerians' to fight terrorists and control resources. However, the plans did not come to fruition, as the largest terrorist network JNIM linked to 'Al-Qaeda' expanded its power, and security for peacekeepers deteriorated.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, from 2022 to 2024, the number of civilian casualties rose more than fourfold. More than three thousand people became victims of violence, and in 80% of cases, the culprits were not jihadists, but the Malian army and Russian mercenaries who employed terrorist methods against the local population, leading to a general distrust of 'Wagner.'
Amid the defiance of Russian mercenaries against the Malian army and racist behavior, conflicts arose, leading to open confrontation. This year, dozens of Malian officers suffered after speaking out against the actions of their Russian allies.
The Kremlin failed to steer the situation in its favor in Mali, not even gaining control over the gold mines. Even the head of the junta, Assimi Goita, rejected Moscow's demands and began seeking other partners in security and mineral extraction.
Overall, the Russian company 'Wagner' has failed in Mali, leading to an increase in violence and a loss of the Kremlin's position in the region. The mercenaries were unable to carry out their tasks properly, resulting in escalating conflict with the local army and rising tensions in the country.