Mali’s northern Tuareg rebels claimed a major victory on Thursday, asserting that they killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers during intense clashes in late July.
The rebel group, the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP), reported the staggering death toll from battles near the border town of Tinzaouaten.
The CSP’s account, if accurate, marks a significant setback for Wagner, the private military company deployed by Mali’s junta to combat Islamist insurgents.
While both Mali and Wagner have acknowledged heavy losses, neither has provided specific figures. This is the most substantial defeat suffered by Wagner since its involvement in the conflict began two years ago.
Despite the apparent rout, Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to the Malian government.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his Malian counterpart on Thursday, expressing Russia’s continued support in areas such as socioeconomic development and military training.
The ongoing conflict in Mali has its roots in a Tuareg separatist uprising in 2012, which later intertwined with an Islamist insurgency.
The Malian government has accused Tuareg and jihadist groups of collaborating, a claim the CSP vehemently denies.
The CSP said it captured seven soldiers and Wagner fighters, along with a substantial amount of military equipment.
The group’s ability to inflict such heavy losses on the government and its Russian allies raises questions about the effectiveness of Wagner’s deployment and the overall security situation in Mali.
The conflict in the Sahel region continues to be a complex and volatile issue, with far-reaching implications for the stability of West Africa.
