Russia has delivered new shipments of heavy military equipment to Mali as the Kremlin replaces the Wagner Group’s semi-private model with the more tightly controlled Africa Corps, according to The Sentry.

At least three major consignments of Russian-made trucks, tanks, armoured vehicles and boats reached Bamako in the first five months of 2025, according to the Washington-based investigative and policy group that focuses on tracking illicit financial flows, corruption, and conflict financing, particularly in Africa.

While Mali’s armed forces have stated the equipment is intended for national defence, sources cited in the Sentry report indicated that a significant portion is earmarked for Africa Corps units.

The transition marks a new phase in Moscow’s strategy in the Sahel. Wagner, which had been deployed in Mali since 2021, withdrew in June 2025 after failing to secure decisive gains against insurgent groups or obtain substantial access to the country’s gold sector.

Its exit followed a broader Kremlin effort to consolidate control over overseas paramilitary operations under the Ministry of Defence after the failed mutiny led by Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023.

Africa Corps has already replaced Wagner-linked forces in Syria and Libya, providing Moscow with a more formalised military structure abroad while limiting the risks associated with autonomous armed groups.

In Mali, the force is expected to prioritise holding territory, protecting strategic assets and expanding Russian influence, rather than conducting large-scale frontline offensives.

The report stated that Africa Corps includes former Wagner fighters and commanders but operates under a more centralised chain of command. Its presence is also expanding across Niger, Sudan and Libya, where Russia is seeking to strengthen political and security partnerships.

Allegations of human rights abuses have persisted during the transition. The Sentry cited increasing accusations of rape, torture, beheadings, mutilations and summary executions, particularly in northern Mali and near the Mauritanian border.

Russia is also increasing recruitment for Africa Corps across Africa, offering financial incentives to attract personnel, as activity linked to Ukrainian intelligence has reportedly targeted pro-Kremlin forces in Sudan, Mali and Syria.