Russian Africa Corps and Malian Army Leave Last Northern Base

Russian mercenaries of the Africa Corps and the Malian army have started withdrawing from a military base in the settlement of Agelok. This is the third strategic site in northeastern Mali that government forces and Russian units are abandoning under pressure from Tuareg rebels and jihadists.

Representatives of the Azawad Liberation Front and military sources reported the abandonment of another military camp, Le Monde reports.

The withdrawal is taking place amid a large-scale rebel offensive that has been ongoing since late April 2026.

Previously, junta forces and Russian mercenaries had already left two key locations: the city of Kidal on April 26 and the strategically important Tessalit on May 1. The withdrawal from Agelok effectively completes the loss of control over the northern part of the country.

Before the escalation on April 25, about 100 members of the Russian Africa Corps and 400 Malian soldiers were stationed at the Agelok base. On the morning of May 4, at least 30 vehicles left the site. They joined a larger column that had earlier departed Tessalit and was positioned a few kilometers from the city.

The town of Agelok, located between Kidal and Tessalit, has significant logistical importance. In January 2012, it was the site of the killing of more than 80 Malian soldiers.

The withdrawal is taking place under an “agreement” between representatives of the Azawad Liberation Front, the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin group, and the Russian command. Algeria acted as a mediator in the talks.

The agreement guarantees safe passage for Russian and Malian forces, free from attacks by rebel groups. Algerian diplomats and military officials are using their influence with the rebels to prevent clashes near the border.

Rebel commanders report cases of desertion among Malian troops. A significant number of personnel from the garrisons in Kidal, Tessalit, and Agelok are attempting to leave the region in civilian clothing. Russian units are conducting an organized withdrawal to avoid heavy losses.

The Kremlin is seeking to avoid a repeat of July 2024, when at least 84 Wagner Group fighters were killed near Tin Zaouatin. The situation for the junta led by General Assimi Goita has worsened after recent attacks in which Sadio Camara was killed. He was a key figure responsible for defense cooperation with Russia.

Russian and Malian columns are heading to Anefis, located 200 km south of their previous positions. They plan to regroup there to secure routes to Gao and Timbuktu.

In total, about 2,500 Russian personnel remain in Mali. According to Le Monde, their main task is now to reinforce positions in the central and southern parts of the country. The priority remains to support the ruling junta and maintain control over the capital, Bamako.