Russia is losing its grip on Africa
From our UK edition
Russia's military reputation in Africa was built in Kidal, Northern Mali. Late last month, it was buried in the same spot. The Russian flag that Wagner hoisted over Kidal in 2023 was up for less than 30 months when on 26 April an Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) fighter from the separatist rebel group allied with al-Qaeda's Malian affiliate fashioned the tricolour into a turban decoration. This was the last thing Russian troops saw as they withdrew hastily from their base, one that until 24 hours prior had been held up as the model of Russian security force assistance in Africa. The image of Bedouin rebels carrying Kalashnikovs while escorting Russian mercenaries out of their own base captures the significance of what happened across Mali late last month.
