Russia’s “African Corps” Abandons Strategic Desert Base in Mali as Rebels Advance

Russian forces linked to the so-called “African Corps,” alongside Mali’s military junta, have withdrawn from their main base in the northern town of Tessalit.

According to Africanews on May 2, which references reporting by AFP, the withdrawal took place without direct fighting, allowing Tuareg factions and jihadist groups to intensify their offensive operations in the region. Africanews reports that the departure marks a significant shift in control over northern Mali’s strategic infrastructure.

Tessalit is located near the Algerian border and has long served as a critical military hub due to its geographic position. The base, originally constructed during the French colonial period, provides oversight of key routes across the Sahara.

The site includes a 2,500-meter runway capable of handling helicopters and large military transport aircraft, including platforms such as the C-130 Hercules, A400M, and Il-76.

Representatives of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) stated that Russian forces are now redeploying toward southern Mali. This movement follows a series of coordinated attacks carried out between April 25 and 26 across multiple locations, including Bamako, Kati, Sévaré, Gao, and Kidal.

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During these operations, armed groups linked to JNIM and the FLA reportedly targeted Malian military infrastructure and personnel. According to Africanews, Mali’s Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed in Bamako on April 25. The following day, FLA forces claimed control over the northern city of Kidal.

The capture of Kidal reportedly included the seizure of a control station for Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial systems, which Mali had acquired in 2022. According to Africanews, these developments reflect a rapid deterioration of the security situation in northern Mali.

Russian-affiliated forces also sustained losses during the fighting. A helicopter was lost near Gao on April 25 due to what was described as “external fire impact,” resulting in the deaths of the crew and accompanying personnel.

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