Russia claims its Africa Corps group prevented coup in Mali after rebels seize towns
Russia's Defence Ministry claims its Africa Corps prevented a coup in Mali by repelling rebel attacks and inflicting heavy losses, though local reports suggest Russian forces negotiated a withdrawal from Kidal after being overrun. Rebel groups, including al-Qaida-linked fighters, seized key towns and killed Mali's defence minister in a suicide bombing. The events highlight challenges to Moscow's influence in West Africa amid growing instability. Analysts suggest Russia may shift focus to protecting the Malian regime rather than holding northern territories.
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Al-Qaida-linked rebels patrol Kidal in northern Mali after the weekend’s attacks. Photograph: Abdollah Ag Mohamed/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenAl-Qaida-linked rebels patrol Kidal in northern Mali after the weekend’s attacks. Photograph: Abdollah Ag Mohamed/AFP/Getty ImagesMaliRussia claims its Africa Corps group prevented coup in Mali after rebels seize townsKremlin-controlled paramilitaries also alleged it inflicted ‘irreplaceable losses’ on insurgents avoiding civilian casualtiesEromo Egbejule West Africa correspondent and Pjotr SauerTue 28 Apr 2026 13.07 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 14.54 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleRussia’s defence ministry has claimed its Africa Corps – the successor to the former Wagner mercenary group – prevented a coup in Mali over the…
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