The Kremlin reaffirmed that Russian forces will remain in Mali to support the government in its fight against terrorism, following renewed offensives by Tuareg-led separatists and militant groups.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s deployment is based on the needs identified by Mali’s current authorities, dismissing calls attributed to armed groups demanding Moscow’s withdrawal. “Russia’s presence there is, in fact, due to the need identified by the current government. Russia will continue, including in Mali, to combat extremism, terrorism and other harmful phenomena, and will continue to provide assistance to the current government,” Peskov stated.
Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its Africa Corps units had thwarted an attempted coup on April 25, 2026, claiming they inflicted heavy losses on opposing forces and prevented a change of power. However, the Africa Corps subsequently withdrew from the northern town of Kidal after coordinated attacks by separatist and terrorist groups targeting key positions held by government forces.