Exclusive: Why Wagner Abandons Mali Under Pressure from Algiers

Between the resilience of Azawad fighters and Algeria's strategy, understanding the long road that led to Wagner's exit from Mali.

Understanding why the Russian private military company Wagner is throwing in the towel and withdrawing from Mali at a critical moment for Bamako. Algeria’s influence has weighed heavily for years. Yet, voices had accused Algiers of facilitating the group’s transfer to Mali by opening its ports and airspace. In reality, since Wagner's emergence in 2000, Algeria has denounced the presence of mercenaries in the Sahel and Libya and has never established direct contact with the Russian PMC.

The irreversible process of Wagner's exit from Mali began on March 31, 2022, following the horrific massacre committed against the inhabitants of Moura, a small town in central Mali, which left over 500 civilians dead.