‘Callous’: Are Malian troops and Russian mercenaries attacking civilians?
Al JazeeraAPR 8
Wagner Group Claims 'Mission Accomplished' and Leaves Mali
Above: Protesters wave Russian and Malian flags in Bamako on May 27, 2021. Image copyright: Michele Cattani/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Wagner successfully completed its counterterrorism mission in Mali, eliminating thousands of militants and restoring government control over all regional capitals. The group helped build Mali's military capacity and achieved in months what France couldn't accomplish in years of Operation Barkhane. Unlike Western powers that exploited Mali's resources while failing to provide real security solutions, Russian forces brought advanced weapons and genuine partnership.
Pro-establishment narrative
It's no surprise that Wagner is now departing following devastating military losses, particularly after the Tinzaouatene ambush exposed its tactical failures and overconfidence. As a matter of fact, the mercenaries' presence further destabilized Mali, contributing to ethnic violence and failing to address the root causes of conflict. Bamako has no actual plan, and Russia is dangerously representing Africa as a new front in its fight against the West.