Evidence of Russian Mercenaries and Military Infrastructure in Mali
Last month, a French government official reported “repeated air rotations with military transport planes belonging to the Russian army” at Bamako airport, facilitating the arrival of a significant number of mercenaries. Analysts from France 24’s Les Observateurs identified new military-type installations, including tents, structures, and vehicles, near Malian Air Base 101. The presence of Russian mercenaries has been confirmed through photographic evidence in Ségou, Mali, underscoring Russia’s expanding military footprint and influence in the region.
Kremlin-Linked Operative Lands in Mali Amid Expanding Russian Influence
On December 19, a Russian Air Force Tupolev Tu-154M, operated by the 223rd Flight Unit, was observed traveling from Libya to Mali, landing at Président Modibo Keïta International Airport in Bamako. Among the notable passengers was Maxim Shugaley, head of the Foundation for the Protection of National Values and associated with Kremlin ally Yevgeniy Prigozhin. Shugaley’s arrival in Mali, following stops in Madagascar and Afghanistan, highlights his role in executing Russia’s strategic foreign policy objectives, showcasing the Kremlin’s expanding influence and soft power tactics across Africa.