India, Oct. 15 -- Amnesty International said that after Africa Corps officially began operations in Mali in June 2025, there was little hope it would ease civilian suffering linked to armed groups in Azawad, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), and abuses attributed to the Malian army and auxiliaries from the Russian private military company known as Wagner.
Africa Corps deployment and Wagner’s role
Amnesty International said troops from Africa Corps, described as under the direct control of the Kremlin, began deploying in Mali as early as January 2025 and were gradually taking over Wagner’s role in support of the Malian army’s military operations.
It said joint patrols by the Malian army and Wagner between 2023 and 202...