Russian mercenaries leave Mali base under rebel escort

Russian mercenaries left their base in northern Mali on Sunday under escort by Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The Wagner Group, whose successors now operate in Mali, originally captured the city for the junta in 2023. The rebels are the same group Mali accused Ukraine of supporting in 2024, an allegation that contributed to Bamako's break with Kyiv and alignment with Russia. This withdrawal continues the pattern of Russian forces negotiating handovers with the rebel coalition.