New Reign of Terror: Africa Corps Sparks Fear in Mali

Reports from Mali indicate abuses by the Africa Corps, a Russian military unit replacing the Wagner Group. Refugees claim the unit is committing atrocities alongside Malian forces, echoing previous Wagner tactics. Concerns over civilian safety are growing as the region's instability persists.

Refugees fleeing Mali have accused the Africa Corps, a new Russian military unit, of committing severe abuses, including rapes and beheadings. This unit replaced the Wagner Group, notorious for its brutal methods, to assist Mali's military in countering extremist threats.

Eyewitness accounts collected at the Mauritanian border reveal disturbing similarities between the Africa Corps and its predecessor, Wagner. Many refugees shared harrowing stories of attacks on villages, resulting in widespread fear and uncertainty among civilians who hoped for a respite from the violence.

The situation is exacerbated by limited international access, making it difficult to verify the extent of these alleged crimes. The involvement of the Africa Corps, reporting to Russia's Defence Ministry, raises questions about accountability, as legal experts point out the Russian government might be directly responsible for any violations of international law by the unit.

(With inputs from agencies.)