JNIM offers deal to Russian Africa Corps

Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM offers to spare Russian forces in Mali if the Russian Africa Corps stays out of the conflict.

Sources

3 verified

Location

Mali

Updated

Saturday, 25 April 2026 at 18:06 UTC

No media · text-only dispatch

Synthesis · 3 sources

The Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has released a statement offering a formal deal to Russia and revealing new details about its recent offensive. The group states that on April 20, it captured the towns of Kidal, Tessalit, and Anefis, and is now offering not to strike positions of Russian forces in Mali in exchange for the non-participation of the Russian Africa Corps (formerly Wagner) in the conflict. The statement, which also addresses the Malian junta, frames the offer as a strategic move to isolate the Malian military from its foreign allies. This development follows reports of Russia seeking a safe corridor to withdraw personnel from Kidal amid the ongoing JNIM offensive.

Updates · 2

3d ago@casusbellii

The message adds that one of JNIM's attacks targeted junta leader Assimi Goïta and provides more context for the group's offer to Russia.

3d agoБелорусский силовик 🇧🇾

The message includes a photo of the JNIM statement and frames the group's offer as a direct attempt to neutralize Russian military support for the Malian junta.

e/eineurope · topic · T-06932cycle Saturday, 25 April 2026 at 18:06 UTC · first reported 3d ago