Moscow Urgently Wants Peace and Stability in Mali

Russia's involvement in Mali has taken a significant turn as its Wagner-linked forces, operating as the 'Africa Corps,' have been compelled to withdraw from the strategic northern city of Kidal. This retreat follows coordinated rebel assaults that overwhelmed positions held by the Moscow-backed junta. While the Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, has publicly stated its desire for "peace and stability" in Mali, its response to direct questions about the military situation and the fate of the Africa Corps has been notably evasive. This suggests a complex and potentially deteriorating situation on the ground for Russia's interests in the Sahel.

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We believe it is important for the country to return to a peaceful and stable path as soon as possible.

The Malian military leadership, led by junta chief General Assimi Goïta, has been conspicuously absent from public view since the fighting intensified over the weekend. Peskov's deflection when asked about Goïta's whereabouts – stating that such information should be sought "in Mali, not in the Kremlin" – highlights the growing distance and potential disconnect between Moscow and its Malian allies. This lack of clarity surrounding the junta's leadership adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile political and security landscape.

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This information needs to be sought in Mali, not in the Kremlin.

From a Lithuanian perspective, the developments in Mali serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of foreign military interventions, particularly those involving private military companies. The Russian narrative of stabilizing Africa is increasingly challenged by on-the-ground realities, where its forces face setbacks and its political allies appear unstable. The withdrawal from Kidal, described by analysts as the most serious challenge to the Malian state since 2012, raises questions about the sustainability of the current regime and Russia's long-term strategy in the region. The situation underscores the importance of independent reporting and analysis, free from the Kremlin's propaganda, to understand the true dynamics at play in Mali and the broader Sahel.

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The Africa Corps suffered casualties during strikes in many parts of the country.