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Russia’s Africa Corps confirmed on Monday that its forces had withdrawn from the northern Malian town of Kidal after fierce fighting there. The paramilitary group, which is controlled by Russia’s Defence Ministry, said the move was taken together with Mali’s leadership after coordinated attacks shook the region over the weekend.
The withdrawal followed simultaneous assaults by the Tuareg-dominated Azawad Liberation Front, or FLA, across parts of Mali, including Kidal, in coordination with West Africa’s al Qaeda affiliate. Africa Corps said wounded personnel and heavy equipment were evacuated first, while its troops continue to carry out their mission in other parts of the country.
The pullout marks a setback for the Russian-backed force, which has been supporting Mali’s military-led government in its fight against separatist fighters and Islamist groups. Russian war bloggers downplayed the significance of the move, saying the unit could return to Kidal if needed and suggesting the situation could still shift depending on the battlefield.
The withdrawal also highlights the pressure on Mali’s army and its Russian allies as violence intensifies in the north. One prominent Russian blogger said the only realistic option was to withdraw, opening the door to a possible deal with Tuareg fighters so the Malian army and Africa Corps could focus on Islamist militants.
